Getting something in your eye, whether a speck of dust or an eyelash, is a common and uncomfortable experience. This article offers clear, actionable steps to address such situations when initial blinking attempts do not resolve the issue. Understanding appropriate responses is important for eye safety and preventing further harm.
Safe Ways to Attempt Removal
Before attempting any removal method, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria to the eye. Then, try flushing the eye. A gentle stream of clean, warm water or a sterile saline solution can be used, either by immersing the affected eye in an eyewash cup or by allowing water to run over the open eye from a faucet or shower on a low-pressure setting. When flushing, keep the eye open as much as possible and allow the water to flow from the inner corner towards the outer corner.
Another method involves gently manipulating the eyelids. If the object feels like it is under the upper eyelid, pull the upper eyelid gently away from the eye and stretch it over the lower lid. This action may help dislodge the foreign body, allowing tears or the lower lashes to sweep it away. If the object is visible on the white part of the eye or under the lower eyelid, gently dab it with a clean, damp cotton swab or a clean, damp cloth, being careful not to touch the colored part of the eye directly.
Actions to Avoid
Avoid actions that can cause more harm when a foreign object is in the eye. Never rub your eye, as this can scratch the cornea, embed the object deeper, or cause further irritation. Direct contact with the eyeball using unwashed hands, fingers, or any non-sterile object should also be avoided due to the risk of infection or injury.
Do not use tweezers, cotton swabs directly on the cornea, or any other sharp or hard instruments to remove the object yourself. Such attempts can cause a corneal abrasion or other serious damage to the delicate eye surface.
When to Seek Professional Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical evaluation if you cannot remove the foreign object or if certain symptoms develop. Get immediate professional help if you experience persistent pain or discomfort after attempting removal, or if the feeling that something is still in your eye continues. Changes in vision, such as blurriness or loss of vision in the affected eye, also warrant urgent medical attention.
Other indicators that necessitate a visit to a healthcare provider include increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), excessive redness, or any discharge (especially if it is yellow or green). If there are visible scratches or damage to the eye, if the object appears to be embedded, or if you suspect chemical exposure, immediate medical care from an ophthalmologist or emergency room is required. These symptoms can indicate more serious underlying conditions that require specialized treatment.
Potential Consequences of Untreated Eye Irritation
If a foreign object in the eye is not properly removed, or if professional help is delayed, several complications can arise. One common consequence is a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the clear outer surface of the eye. While many abrasions can heal without further problems, they can lead to discomfort, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
Untreated foreign bodies can also increase the risk of eye infection. Bacteria or fungi introduced by the object can cause inflammation and potentially lead to more severe conditions like corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the cornea. Persistent irritation or infection can result in scarring of the cornea, which may cause permanent vision impairment. Deeply embedded objects or severe infections can lead to significant vision loss or even blindness if not addressed promptly.