Having something stuck in your eye can be incredibly uncomfortable. Whether it’s a speck of dust, an eyelash, sand, or even a small insect, it can cause irritation, watering, and even panic. But don’t worry — most of the time, you can remove the object yourself safely at home. 🏡🧼
Let’s walk through how to remove a foreign object from your eye, what not to do, and when to seek medical attention. 🆘
🔍 First, Stay Calm
When something gets into your eye, your natural reaction might be to rub it — don’t. That can actually make things worse, especially if it’s something sharp like glass or metal. 😵
Take a few deep breaths and remember: most small objects that enter the eye can be flushed out safely with the right steps.
🪞 Step-by-Step: How to Remove Something from Your Eye
1. Wash Your Hands First 🧼🤲
Before you touch your eye, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. You don’t want to introduce any bacteria or dirt.
2. Look in the Mirror 🪞👀
Find a well-lit area and use a mirror. Try to spot the object in your eye. Look under your upper and lower eyelids, and gently pull them away from the eye to check thoroughly.
Tip: Sometimes blinking rapidly can help dislodge small particles. Your tears are your body’s natural defense. 😢💧
3. Flush Your Eye with Clean Water or Saline 💦
The best and safest method is to rinse your eye.
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Use an eye wash station if you’re near one.
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Use a clean glass or cup to pour lukewarm water across your open eye.
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Or stand under a gentle stream of lukewarm water in the shower with your eyes open.
Tilt your head so the affected eye is lower and let the water flow from the inner corner to the outer edge. 🫗👁️
You can also use saline solution or artificial tears if available — these are gentler and made for eyes.
4. Try the “Lift and Blink” Technique 👁️👆
If you suspect something is under your upper eyelid:
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Pull your upper eyelid down over the lower one and blink several times.
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This might help the particle get caught on your lashes or rinsed out with your tears.
5. Use a Damp Cotton Swab (Only If You Can See the Object) 🔍🧴
If the object is on the white part of your eye (not the colored part) and isn’t moving, you can:
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Use a damp cotton swab or the corner of a clean tissue to gently lift it off.
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Do NOT use tweezers or any sharp object. ❌
🛑 What NOT to Do
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❌ Don’t rub your eye — this can scratch your cornea.
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❌ Don’t try to remove it if it’s embedded in your eye — go to a doctor.
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❌ Don’t use unclean water or fingers — infections are worse than the object itself!
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❌ Don’t keep your contact lenses in while trying to remove the object.
🚨 When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if:
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The object won’t come out even after rinsing.
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You feel pain, vision changes, or sensitivity to light.
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There is bleeding, swelling, or pus.
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The object is sharp, metal, or glass.
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You experience scratching, redness, or burning for hours after.
Even if the object is removed, it’s a good idea to see an eye specialist if your eye remains irritated. You may have a scratch (corneal abrasion) or lingering inflammation.
🧴 Prevention Tips
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Wear protective eyewear when working with tools, chemicals, or during windy outdoor activities.
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Use goggles at the pool — chlorine and debris can irritate the eyes.
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Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially when you’re outdoors or your hands aren’t clean.
