That sudden, scratchy feeling is something we all know. Whether it’s a speck of dust on a windy day or a stray eyelash, getting something in your eye requires proper care to prevent complications. While most such cases are minor, some situations may call for emergency eye care.
Knowing the right steps can help you find relief safely and protect your vision. The safest way to remove dust from your eye is to let your natural tears work first, then try a gentle flush with clean water or a saline solution. Following a few simple guidelines can help you handle the situation effectively at home.
First Steps When Something Gets in Your Eye
While your first instinct might be to rub your eye, it’s a good idea to resist that urge. When possible, let your eye’s natural defenses flush out the foreign object. Understanding the difference between a minor irritant and more serious types of eye emergencies can help you respond appropriately.
Signs of an Object in Your Eye
- A feeling of pressure or fullness
- Eye redness or irritation
- Excessive tears or watery eyes
- Pain when you blink a lot
How to Safely Flush Your Eye at Home
If blinking doesn’t do the trick, you can try flushing the particle out at home. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before touching the area around your eye.
Let Your Tears Do the Work
Try blinking several times to encourage tears, which can help wash away small bits of dust or debris. You can also gently pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid to let the lower lashes brush the particle away.
Rinse with Lukewarm Water or Saline
A gentle rinse can dislodge the object in your eye. Use a sterile saline solution or clean, lukewarm water—avoid hot or cold water. You can use a small, clean glass or an eyecup for pouring.
- Tilt your head back and to the side of the affected eye.
- Hold your eyelid open with your fingers.
- Gently pour a steady, slow stream of water or saline into the corner of your eye.
- Let the water run across your eye to flush the debris out.
What to Avoid with an Irritated Eye
Certain actions can actually make the situation worse, leading to more irritation, so it’s helpful to know what not to do when your eye feels gritty. Here are some guidelines.
Do Not Rub Your Eye
Rubbing your eye can press the debris against the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye. This can cause a painful scratch that may lead to a corneal ulcer or embed the object more deeply. This makes the object harder to remove.
Do Not Use Tools Like Tweezers
Never try to remove an object from your eye with tweezers, cotton swabs, or your fingers. These tools can easily slip and cause serious damage to your eye.
What If the Object Stays in Your Eye?
Even after trying to flush your eye, the gritty feeling might linger. An object that remains in your eye can lead to other issues. It’s important to recognize the signs that the particle is still there or may have caused a scratch.
Potential for Scratches & Infection
A lingering piece of dust can scratch the clear front surface of your eye, called the cornea. This kind of scratch, or corneal abrasion, can be painful and may leave your eye vulnerable to infection. A comprehensive eye exam is the right way to be sure there’s no lasting damage.
When to Look for More Help
- Pain that does not get better after flushing your eye, which may signal a need for professional medical attention
- Blurry vision or other changes in your sight
- The feeling that something is still there after you have tried to remove it
- You cannot get the object out
- Visible blood on the white part of your eye
When to Visit an Eye Doctor in Los Angeles
If you’ve tried flushing your eye but the discomfort continues, it may be time to get professional help. Some situations require an evaluation to protect your vision. An examination can give you peace of mind.
If You Cannot Remove the Particle
If you can’t get the object out with gentle rinsing, your eye care professional has the tools and skills to remove it safely for you. Do not continue to irritate your eye by trying different methods at home.
After Any Eye Injury
If the object flew into your eye with force—such as a piece of metal or wood—it’s important to see a doctor right away. This also applies if a chemical splashes into your eye.
For Ongoing Discomfort or Vision Changes
If your eye still hurts, feels gritty, or your vision is blurry after you think the object is gone, schedule a visit with your optometrist.
Your eye health is important, and you don’t have to manage discomfort on your own. If you have a concern about something in your eye or are experiencing any lasting irritation, we’re here to help. Contact our team at Total Vision Culver City to schedule an appointment and get the care you need.
