At some point, we’ve all gotten something stuck in our eyes. Whether it’s dust, an eyelash, a bug, soap or another object, it can be frustrating and sometimes even painful.
Like most people, rubbing your eyes might be your first reaction to the problem, but it could only make the situation worse.
Roy Swanson, MD, an ophthalmologist with Banner – University Medicine, walks us through how to treat the issue by following some simple steps and tips for protecting your vision.
Understanding the problem
The eyes are the window to the soul but also an easy target for several foreign objects. Here’s a list of common and some not-so-common objects that can end up in your eyes:
- Eyelashes
- Dust
- Dirt and sand
- Pollen
- Insects and bugs
- Plant debris (seeds, small leaves)
- Dried mucous (eye boogers)
- Makeup
- Animal hairs
- Contact lenses
- Chemicals
- Metal shavings
- Wood splinters
- Small pieces of broken glass
When a foreign object enters your eye, it can cause discomfort, redness and even pain. Your eye is a sensitive organ, and if you don’t handle it properly, it can lead to several problems, including:
- Infection: “One of the worst potential complications is developing a bacterial or fungal infection,” Dr. Swanson said.
- Corneal abrasion: The object can scratch the cornea, leading to pain, redness and sensitivity to light.
- Inflammation: Your eye can become red and swollen as your body tries to fight off the foreign object.
- Vision problems: Prolonged irritation can cause blurred vision or other vision problems.
Step-by-Step: How to safely remove something from your eye
1. Stay calm and avoid rubbing
It’s natural to want to rub your eye immediately when something gets in it. However, rubbing can make the situation worse.
“Vigorously rubbing your eyes often leads to worse irritation and can potentially cause damage, such as corneal abrasion,” Dr. Swanson said. “Using your hands or other nonsterile tools to remove a foreign object can introduce other pathogens like bacteria, and you may damage your eye while trying to get the object out.”
2. Blink your eye
Rapid blinking can help produce enough tears to help dilute and flush out any irritants in the eye.
3. Wash your hands
Before touching your eye, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid introducing bacteria or dirt.
4. Check with a mirror
Gently pull down your lower eyelid and look up, then pull up your upper eyelid and look down. This can help you see if the object is stuck on the surface of the eye. If you don’t have a mirror, ask someone to help you look.
5. Flush with clean water
“Use clean filtered water and a gentle flow over the affected eye to help flush the eye,” Dr. Swanson said.
If you don’t have filtered water on hand, tap water is also effective at irrigating the eye. Tilt your head so the water flows from the inside corner of your eye to the outside, washing out the irritant. Repeat this as many times as necessary.
“If there is a chemical injury, irrigate the eye continuously for 15 minutes,” Dr. Swanson said. “Go to the emergency room if your eye has been exposed to a caustic chemical like bleach, ammonia or sulfuric acid.”
6. Avoid sharp objects
Avoid using a tweezer or other instruments to remove the object in your eye. You risk causing permanent damage to your eye.
7. See an eye care professional
Sometimes, you’ll need more than a simple rinse to get relief. Seek professional help if:
- The object is sharp (like a piece of metal or glass).
- You experience severe pain or a sensation that something is still in your eye after you try to remove it.
- Your eye is red, swollen or producing discharge.
- Your vision changes.
- You’ve tried to remove the object but were unsuccessful.
- You have a visible injury like a cut.
- You are sensitive to light.
- You recently had eye surgery.
- You can’t open your eye.
“An eye doctor can use special tools and techniques to safely remove the object, treat your injury and ensure your eye heals properly,” Dr. Swanson said.
An eye care professional like an ophthalmologist or optometrist will:
- Use a microscope to look at the entire surface of the eyes and under the eyelids.
- Screen for infections.
- Use special sterile equipment to locate and remove the foreign object.
- For metallic objects, a rust ring may form, requiring special tools to gently scrape off the superficial layers of the cornea that contain the rust.
- Prescribe antibiotic drops or ointments to prevent an infection, if necessary.
How long will my eye take to heal?
An irritated eye might heal within a few hours to a day, while a major scratch or injury may take days or weeks.
Avoid using eye drops that promise to remove eye redness. These drops can worsen eye irritation. To soothe your eye, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears, lubricating drops or a warm, wet washcloth.
Prevention tips: Keep your eyes safe
Preventing eye injuries is always better than treating them. Here are some tips to help keep your eyes safe:
- Wear safety glasses: “If you’re working in an environment with flying debris, chemicals, hand tools or power tools, wear eye protection in the form of safety glasses, goggles or face shields,” Dr. Swanson said.
- Don’t forget your sunglasses: Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and windy or dusty conditions.
- Be cautious with eye makeup: Ensure makeup products are not expired and apply them carefully to avoid getting particles in your eyes.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: Try not to touch or rub your eyes, especially with unwashed hands.
- Keep a clean environment: Regularly clean your living and workspace to reduce dust and particles that can get into your eyes.
- Follow proper lens care: Clean your contact lenses with a cleaning solution prescribed for your type of lenses. Avoid using tap water or your spit (saliva). Don’t sleep with your contacts in your eyes. Always wash your hands before handling your contacts.
The bottom line
Having something in your eye is never pleasant, but knowing how to handle it can make a big difference. Following these steps, you can safely remove foreign objects and protect your eyes from further harm.
Always remember to stay calm, avoid rubbing and contact an eye doctor or a Banner Health specialist if you need further help. Your vision is too important to take any chances!
