NAIROBI, Kenya — A gritty sensation, sharp pain or sudden irritation can be signs that something has become lodged in the eye, but experts warn that trying to remove it the wrong way can cause further injury.
Foreign objects such as eyelashes, dust, sand, mascara, contact lenses and small pieces of wood or metal can become trapped in the eye. In some cases, the resulting irritation can lead to scratches on the cornea, infection, inflammation or other complications.
Experts advise taking simple steps to remove minor particles while knowing when professional medical attention is necessary.
What Can Get Stuck in the Eye?
Eyelashes are among the most common foreign objects to enter the eye. Dust and small pieces of debris can also cause irritation, particularly during windy conditions or activities that generate particles.
People working in construction or other environments involving debris may be exposed to materials such as fibreglass, wood and metal particles.
False-eyelash glue can also irritate the eye, while contact lenses may become displaced, fold under the eyelid or break.
Common symptoms include burning, irritation, blurred vision, excessive tearing, a scratchy sensation and sensitivity to light.
Start With Blinking and Tears
For small particles such as eyelashes, sand or tiny cosmetic flecks, blinking repeatedly may be enough to remove the object.
The eye’s natural tears can also help wash small foreign bodies away.
If the object remains, experts recommend first washing your hands and moving to a well-lit area where the eye can be examined carefully.
The lower eyelid can be gently pulled down to check whether the object is visible. Artificial tears may also help flush out a small particle that is not embedded in the eye.
If the object cannot be removed through gentle irrigation, medical attention may be necessary.
Do Not Rub Your Eye
One of the most common mistakes is rubbing the affected eye.
Experts warn that rubbing can push a foreign object further across the cornea and cause scratches or other injuries.
Dirty hands can also introduce bacteria into the eye, increasing the risk of infection and inflammation.
People should also avoid trying to pick out objects with their fingers.
Using household items such as tweezers, toothpicks or other metal tools can cause serious injury, particularly if the object is embedded in the eye.
What to Do If a Chemical Gets in Your Eye
Chemical exposure requires much faster action.
If substances such as bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, detergents, or drain-cleaning products enter the eye, experts advise immediately rinsing the affected eye with plenty of clean tap water.
The priority is to begin flushing the eye as quickly as possible rather than waiting to reach a hospital.
Chemical substances can continue damaging the eye even after they have been removed, so medical assessment is recommended after the eye has been thoroughly rinsed.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Some objects should only be removed by a medical professional.
Experts advise against attempting to remove anything that is embedded in the eye or protruding through the eyelids.
Medical professionals have specialised equipment, including magnification devices, numbing drops and sterile instruments, that can be used to safely examine and treat an injured eye.
Medical attention is also recommended if the object cannot be removed, is difficult to reach or continues to cause discomfort.
Persistent Pain Could Mean an Injury
Removing the foreign object does not necessarily mean the eye has fully recovered.
If pain, redness, inflammation, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light or vision problems continue, the eye may have been scratched or injured.
Experts generally recommend seeking medical attention if symptoms have not improved within 24 hours.
Some materials can also cause complications after they are removed. Wood and other organic materials can increase the risk of infection, while metal particles can leave rust deposits on the cornea.
Untreated injuries can potentially result in infection, scarring, and vision problems.
Contact Lens Wearers Need Extra Care
People who wear contact lenses are advised to remove them if their eye becomes irritated or injured.
Experts caution against putting a contact lens back into an eye that remains sore or inflamed.
Instead, people should allow the eye to recover and use lubricating drops where appropriate, while wearing glasses until the irritation has resolved.
Protect Your Eyes Before Injuries Happen
Experts also advise people to use appropriate protective eyewear during activities that can generate flying debris.
Ordinary spectacles may not provide adequate protection when mowing grass, cutting materials, carrying out construction work or performing other activities where particles can enter the eye.
The safest approach is to avoid rubbing or probing the eye, respond quickly to chemical exposure and seek professional care when an object cannot be safely removed or symptoms persist.
