If a small object, such as a stray eyelash or some grains of sand, gets stuck in your eye, you can attempt to remove it on your own. First of all, do not rub your eyes, because it can exacerbate the problem. Then follow these helpful steps:
Wash your hands well with soap
Look in a mirror to locate the object
Blink hard; your tears may wash the object out.
If the object is lodged behind your upper eyelid, pull your upper lid forwards and over the lower eyelid. Then look upward, which can push the object off the upper lid.
If the object is under your lower eyelid or in the corner of your eye, use a damp cloth or piece of cotton to remove it gently.
Flush the object out. Fill a small glass (or eyecup, if you have one) with lukewarm water, and place your eye over the cup. While keeping your eye open, rinse it. Alternatively, you can pour lukewarm water into your eye to flush it out.
Eyes are delicate! If you cannot remove the item easily on your own, do not persist. Our emergency eye care doctor will use specialized tools and numbing eye drops in order to extract the item safely.
For eye injury, trauma, or eye infection – do not delay in seeking emergency eye care. Early treatment can prevent damage to your vision.
