How to Get Debris Out of Your Eye

Ever feel like there’s something in your eye but can’t see it? Something as small as a piece of dirt, dust, sand, a fiber, or even an eyelash, can cause more discomfort than you’d think. The itching and irritation can last for hours if it doesn’t work its way out. Before you get frustrated and start digging through your eye, go through these steps to gently try and get out that pesky particle.

1. Wash Your Hands

Before you do anything, first wash your hands. Eyes are extremely sensitive. If you are touching your eyes with dirty hands, you are bound to make the problem worse.

2. Examine Your Eye

In a well-lit space, examine your eye in the mirror. Sometimes there may not be something in there after all, it could just be a hair or an eyelash poking it that needs to be moved out of the way. If that’s not the case, look carefully at the pupil and then inspect the sides by looking to your left and right. Pull the lower eyelid down and look up. Pull the upper eyelid up and look down. This will help you get a better view of the angles of the eye where the debris may be hiding. Do not rub your eye as this can cause the particle to scratch and damage your eye. Don’t try to use other objects such as tweezers to get the object out as these could poke and injure your eye.

3. Remove the Debris

• Use Eye Drops:
  Eye drops are usually the first go-to in removing particles from the eye. It helps to move the particle around so that you can see and remove it. These will also help with easing the redness and irritation.
• Flush Your Eye:
  If the particle still feels present after using eye drops, try to flush it. Put your head down in the sink, slightly pull the eyelids apart, and use your other hand to splash water into the eye. Blink repeatedly. Try doing this two or three more times. Pat it dry with a clean towel and see if the pain has gone away.
• See a Doctor:
  If you still can’t get the debris out of your eye and the pain and redness is getting worse, seek help from a doctor.