Foreign objects like eyelashes or dust commonly cause irritation, redness, and a burning sensation in the eye. Often, blinking repeatedly can help dislodge the object. However, when the object isn't clearly visible, many instinctively rub their eyes or try to remove it with their fingers. This approach is ineffective and carries risks of injury and infection. Therefore, it's essential to choose safe and appropriate methods to prevent complications. Here are the do's and don'ts when a foreign object enters your eye.

Do's

Properly locate the foreign object

When a foreign object enters your eye, remain calm and examine it under sufficient light. After washing your hands thoroughly, you can pull down your lower eyelid and look up, or lift your upper eyelid and look down into a mirror to pinpoint the object's location. In many cases, the foreign object is just a small particle of dust on the conjunctiva or eyelid surface, which can be safely observed and managed if it's not sharp.

Stay calm and blink to allow your eye to self-clean

The eye's natural reflex is to blink and produce tears to flush out foreign objects. You can blink continuously and more forcefully than usual to aid this process, especially with small objects like eyelashes or dust.

Rinse your eye with clean water or saline solution

If the foreign object doesn't dislodge on its own, rinse your eye with clean water or a sterile saline solution. When rinsing, tilt your head towards the affected eye and gently open it, allowing the water to flow from the inner corner outwards. This prevents the object from spreading to the other eye.

Gently remove small foreign objects

For objects located on the lower eyelid, you can use a clean, damp cotton swab to gently remove them. If the object is on the upper eyelid, try pulling the upper lid down over the lower lid, then release it. This motion might help the object float out, but avoid direct contact with the eyeball.

Properly handle eye discharge or mucus

If your eye has discharge due to allergies or inflammation, apply a warm, damp cloth over your eye for a few minutes to soften it. Then, gently wipe from the inner corner outwards with clean cotton. Ensure proper hand and tool hygiene throughout the process to minimize infection risk.

Don'ts

Rubbing your eyes

Rubbing your eyes is a common reflex but can easily scratch the cornea, especially when a foreign object is still present. This can worsen pain, irritation, and inflammation.

Using hands or sharp objects to remove it

Using your fingers, fingernails, tweezers, or cotton swabs to remove a foreign object is dangerous. Hands carry numerous bacteria, and sharp objects can directly damage the eyeball.

Ignoring prolonged irritation

Sometimes, the sensation of a foreign object in the eye is due to dry eyes, minor scratches, or blepharitis (eyelid inflammation). If discomfort persists, monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention promptly.

If a foreign object is deeply embedded, cannot be removed independently, or if you experience severe eye pain, blurred vision, changes in eyesight, eye bleeding, or an inability to close your eye, seek immediate medical attention. A doctor can use eyedrops, specialized instruments, or imaging techniques to safely identify and remove the object.

Bao Bao (According to WebMD)