How to Get Something Out of Your Eye: Safe Removal Steps and First Aid

Getting something stuck in your eye is an uncomfortable and potentially concerning experience. Whether it’s a tiny eyelash, a speck of dust, a piece of dirt, or something more substantial, knowing how to safely remove a foreign object from your eye can help prevent further irritation and potential damage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the proper techniques for removing something from your eye while keeping your vision safe.

Understanding Foreign Objects in the Eye

Foreign objects in the eye can range from harmless to serious. Common items that can get stuck in your eye include:

• Dust particles and dirt
• Eyelashes or other hair
• Sand or small gravel
• Makeup particles or cosmetic fibers
• Small insects
• Sawdust or wood shavings
• Metal fragments or shavings
• Glass particles
• Contact lens fragments

The eye’s natural defense mechanisms, including tears and blinking, often work to flush out small particles automatically. However, when these natural responses aren’t sufficient, you may need to take additional steps to remove the object safely.

Initial Steps Before Attempting Removal

Before you try to remove anything from your eye, follow these important preliminary steps:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds to prevent introducing bacteria into your eye
• Find good lighting so you can see what you’re doing, ideally in front of a mirror
• Remain calm and avoid panicking, as this can cause you to rub your eye and potentially cause more damage
• Assess the situation by determining what type of object is in your eye and where it’s located

How to Safely Remove Something From Your Eye

Method 1: Natural Blinking and Tearing

Your body’s natural response is often the safest first approach:

• Blink repeatedly and gently to encourage tear production
• Pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid to help dislodge the object
• Allow your tears to naturally wash the object toward the corner of your eye
• If the object moves to the corner, carefully remove it with a clean, damp cloth

Method 2: Eye Flushing with Water

Flushing your eye with clean water is one of the most effective and safe methods:

1. Fill a clean eyecup, shot glass, or small drinking glass with lukewarm or room-temperature water. Make sure the water is clean and safe for eye contact.
2. Position the rim of the glass against the bone at the base of your eye socket, creating a seal
3. Tilt your head back and open your eye wide
4. Rotate your eye in all directions to allow the water to wash across the entire surface
5. Alternatively, use a gentle stream of clean water from a faucet or shower

Method 3: Shower Method

Using your shower can be an effective way to flush your eye:

• Adjust the shower to a gentle, lukewarm temperature
• Direct the stream of water onto your forehead, just above the affected eye
• Hold your eyelid open and allow the water to run over your eye
• Rotate your eye to ensure the water reaches all areas
• Continue for several minutes or until the object is removed

Method 4: Using a Medicine Dropper or Saline Solution

For a more controlled approach:

• Fill a clean medicine dropper with sterile saline solution or clean water
• Tilt your head to the side with the affected eye facing up
• Gently pull down your lower eyelid
• Squeeze the dropper to release water or saline onto the eye surface
• Blink several times to distribute the liquid

Helping Someone Else Remove an Object From Their Eye

If you’re assisting another person, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
2. Have the person sit in a well-lit area where you can clearly see their eye
3. Ask them to look in different directions while you gently examine the eye
4. Pull down the lower eyelid and ask them to look up, then hold the upper eyelid up while they look down
5. If you can see the object floating on the surface, use a medicine dropper filled with clean water to flush it out
6. Alternatively, have them tilt their head back while you irrigate the eye with a gentle stream of clean water
7. Never attempt to remove an embedded object yourself

Special Considerations for Contact Lens Wearers

If you wear contact lenses and get something in your eye:

• Remove your contact lens before or during the irrigation process
• The foreign object may be stuck to the underside of the lens
• Examine the lens for any particles or damage
• Clean or replace the lens before reinserting it
• If discomfort persists after removing the lens, continue with eye irrigation
• Never reinsert a damaged contact lens

When to Seek Emergency Medical Help

Some situations require immediate professional medical attention. Seek emergency care if:

• The object cannot be removed with simple flushing or irrigation methods
• The object appears to be embedded in the eye or penetrating the eyeball
• The foreign body is a sharp object like glass, metal, or wood
• You experience vision changes, blurriness, or loss of vision
• There is blood in or around the eye
• The object is large or sticking out between the eyelids
• You have severe pain that doesn’t improve
• The eye appears to have an unusual shape or looks different than normal
• You cannot keep the eye open due to pain or discomfort
• Pain, redness, or the sensation of something in the eye persists for more than 24 hours after removal
• The injury occurred in a high-impact situation (such as hammering metal or an explosion)
• You develop increased sensitivity to light
• Discharge or excessive tearing continues

What Not to Do When Something Is in Your Eye

Avoiding these common mistakes is crucial for preventing further injury:

• Don’t rub your eye – This is the most important rule. Rubbing can scratch the cornea or push the object deeper into the eye tissue
• Don’t use tweezers, cotton swabs, or fingers to try to remove an object from the surface of the eyeball
• Don’t attempt to remove embedded objects – If something is stuck in the eye, cover both eyes and seek emergency help
• Don’t use tap water if you suspect a chemical exposure – Different chemicals require different treatment approaches
• Don’t apply pressure to the eye if you suspect a penetrating injury
• Don’t use dirty water or contaminated solutions to flush the eye
• Don’t delay seeking medical care for serious injuries

Understanding Corneal Abrasions

Even after successfully removing a foreign object, you may still feel like something is in your eye. This sensation often indicates a corneal abrasion – a scratch on the surface of your eye. Common signs include:

• Continued feeling of something in the eye
• Pain or discomfort
• Redness and watering
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision

Corneal abrasions typically heal within 24 to 48 hours. However, if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or worsen, consult an eye care professional. They may recommend appropriate treatment options based on the severity of the abrasion.

Prevention Tips to Keep Foreign Objects Out of Your Eyes

Taking preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk of getting something in your eye:

• Wear protective eyewear when doing activities that could send particles flying, such as woodworking, metalworking, lawn mowing, or using power tools
• Use safety goggles in industrial or construction environments
• Wear wraparound sunglasses on windy days or in dusty environments
• Keep your work area clean and well-ventilated to minimize airborne particles
• Be cautious when opening cosmetics or applying makeup near your eyes
• Maintain proper contact lens hygiene to prevent complications
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands
• Keep car windows up on dusty roads or when following other vehicles closely

After Removal Care and Recovery

Once you’ve successfully removed the foreign object from your eye:

• Avoid rubbing the eye, even if it feels irritated
• Give your eye time to recover naturally
• Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 24 hours
• Avoid eye makeup until the eye has fully recovered
• Monitor for signs of infection, such as increased redness, discharge, or worsening pain
• Rest your eyes by limiting screen time and bright light exposure
• Use artificial tears if recommended by your healthcare provider to keep the eye lubricated

When to Follow Up With an Eye Care Professional

Schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist if:

• Discomfort continues for more than 24 hours after removing the object
• Your vision doesn’t return to normal
• You notice any changes in your eyesight
• The eye becomes increasingly red or inflamed
• You develop discharge from the eye
• You experience recurring foreign body sensations
• You have concerns about potential damage to your eye

An eye care professional can examine your eye thoroughly, check for corneal damage, and provide appropriate treatment recommendations if needed.

Conclusion

Knowing how to safely remove something from your eye is an important first aid skill. Most foreign objects can be successfully removed using gentle flushing techniques with clean water. Remember to always wash your hands first, avoid rubbing your eye, and never attempt to remove embedded objects yourself. While many cases resolve without complications, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain, vision changes, or if the object cannot be easily removed. Your eye health is precious, and when in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional.

By following the safe removal techniques outlined in this guide and knowing when to seek professional help, you can protect your vision and ensure the best possible outcome when dealing with foreign objects in your eye.

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic – Foreign Object in the Eye: First Aid
• American Academy of Ophthalmology – Foreign Object in Eye
• CDC – Eye Safety
• MedlinePlus – Foreign Object in the Eye
• StatPearls – Corneal Abrasion