If your online search has led you here, then you might have something stuck in your eye that won\u2019t come out. We hope that\u2019s not the case, but if it is, we\u2019ll try to keep this guide concise and organized so you can find some quick advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most importantly, we\u2019ll first outline when to seek immediate medical help\u2014there are times when you shouldn\u2019t try to get stuff out of your eye on your own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Disclaimer: This guide does not constitute professional medical advice; it represents the opinion of its authors and is for educational or informational purposes only. Readers should not use the information in this guide as a substitution for advice provided by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Readers with urgent need for assistance should contact their eye doctor or visit the emergency room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re experiencing any of the following, it\u2019s best to go to the emergency room immediately. Close your eyes and cover them with a wet, clean cloth, and have someone else drive you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before we outline what to do if something is in your eye, it\u2019s important you know what not<\/em> to do! Here are the big DON\u2019TS when you\u2019ve got something stuck in your eye:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that, unless you\u2019re experiencing an extreme situation like those listed above, you can likely manage to get debris out of your eye at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Before you do anything involving your eyes, you should always, always be sure to thoroughly wash your hands. Even hands that seem<\/em> clean could transfer bacteria, oils, or near-invisible particles that could further irritate your eyes and increase the risk of an eye infection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take out your contacts<\/a> before proceeding, because it\u2019s possible for something stuck in your eye to scratch or even tear your contacts<\/a>. There\u2019s also a chance that whatever\u2019s stuck in your eye could actually be trapped in or behind the lens. If you\u2019re experiencing pain or have any questions, you should reach out to your eye doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your first line of defense against foreign debris in your eye is your own body. Your body knows how to get something out of your eye naturally\u2014its immediate response is to flood the eye with tears, and very often, those tears will be enough to push the debris right out. Blink your eyes a bunch and let those tears flow!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If some blinking and natural tears aren\u2019t doing the trick, though, here are some things you can try before moving on to irrigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019ll help if you know where the debris in your eye is located. Open your eye really wide while looking in a mirror. Gently pull your upper and lower eyelid out in turn to see if you can find the culprit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If <\/strong>Something Is Stuck in Your Upper Eyelid<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Try pulling your upper eyelid gently out, away from your eye, and then roll your eye around to try and get the particle out from the eyelid. You can also try pulling the eyelid out gently and then letting go\u2014as the eyelid slips back into place, the particle might dislodge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If Something Is Stuck in Your Lower Eyelid<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gently pull out the lower eyelid and push up from underneath a little with your finger; this should help you get a better view inside the lid. If you can see the offending particle in there, you could try to swipe it out using a damp Q-tip or a clean, damp cloth (but be careful not to touch your eyeball directly).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing how to flush out your eye will be helpful if the above steps haven\u2019t yet dislodged the debris. There are a few different things you can use for eye irrigation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tap water is not ideal for eye washing and should only be used if you don\u2019t have access to the above options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How To Flush Out Your Eye<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few approaches you can take to irrigate your eye:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remember, if your attempts to get something out of your eye are unsuccessful, then you should get help\u2014contact your eye doctor or go to an urgent care or emergency room. Your eyes are delicate, and allowing foreign objects to remain in your eye puts your vision and health at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If dangerous chemicals have gotten into your eye, flush your eye out immediately, and continue flushing it for at least 15 minutes. Since chemicals can cause damage to the eyes, seek emergency medical care as soon as possible. If you can, bring the container of the material that got in your eye to help inform the doctors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know what to do if something is in your eye, you\u2019ll probably have a good idea of what to have handy for the future. Consider creating a first aid kit for your home that\u2019s specifically for eye care. Here are a few items you could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n And, be sure to use protective eyewear (like safety goggles or glasses) when performing any activities that could cause debris to get into your eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We hope you were successful in getting any stuff out of your eye that\u2019s not meant to be there. After getting something out of your eye, it\u2019s important to stay mindful of your eye\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If it still feels like something is in your eye even after you know you got it out, or if your eye continues to feel irritated, then you should make an appointment<\/a> with an optometrist or ophthalmologist<\/a>. It\u2019s possible that the debris that was stuck in your eye caused corneal abrasions<\/a> (scratches on your cornea). Corneal abrasions typically heal quickly, but it\u2019s always best to get checked out in case they do require your eye doctor\u2019s care.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If your online search has led you here, then you might have something stuck in your eye that won\u2019t come out. We hope that\u2019s not the case, but if it is, we\u2019ll try to keep this guide concise and organized so you can find some quick advice. Most importantly, we\u2019ll first outline when to seek […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":1146,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1145","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-eye-health","category-how-to"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
How To Get Something Out of Your Eye in 5 Steps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Wash Your Hands<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Remove Your Contact Lenses (If Applicable)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Blink and Let Your Eye Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Try To Locate and Dislodge the Stuck Particle(s)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Flush Out Your Eye<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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If Chemicals Get in Your Eye<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Make a First Aid Eye Care Kit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Keep an Eye on Your Eyes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n