Many people experience a moment of panic when an eyelash falls into their eye, often fearing it might disappear forever behind the eyeball. This common concern stems from the uncomfortable sensation and the unknown fate of the tiny hair. While the feeling can be quite irritating, the worry about an eyelash getting “lost” in the back of your head is a widespread misconception.
The Eye’s Natural Protective Barriers
The eye possesses natural anatomical barriers that prevent foreign objects, including eyelashes, from moving behind the eyeball. A thin, transparent membrane called the conjunctiva lines the inner surface of the eyelids and folds back to cover the white part of the eye. This membrane forms a continuous sac, effectively blocking anything from passing into the space behind the eye. Therefore, an eyelash cannot physically travel to the brain or become permanently trapped in an unreachable area.
What Happens When an Eyelash Enters Your Eye
When an eyelash enters the eye, it typically lands on the cornea or the conjunctiva, triggering immediate discomfort. The eye’s natural response is increased tear production, which flushes the eyelash towards the inner corner for easy removal. Involuntary blinking also helps dislodge the eyelash, sweeping it across the eye’s surface towards the tear duct or the lower eyelid margin. While the eyelash is present, individuals commonly experience a scratching sensation, a feeling of something being “in” the eye, and sometimes mild redness due to irritation.
How to Safely Remove a Trapped Eyelash
Should an eyelash become trapped, the first step is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing additional contaminants. Next, gently pull down the lower eyelid and look upwards to locate the eyelash. If visible on the lower lid, you can try to remove it with a clean, damp cotton swab or the corner of a clean tissue.
If the eyelash is on the upper lid or not immediately visible, you can try blinking rapidly several times to encourage natural removal. Flushing the eye with clean, lukewarm water or a sterile saline solution can also be effective. Tilt your head back, open your eye wide, and pour the solution over the eye from the inner corner outwards. If discomfort persists, or if you experience severe pain, increased redness, sensitivity to light, or changes in vision, it is advisable to seek medical attention from an eye care professional.