When something gets in your eye, your first instinct is to get it out. How you go about it can protect your eye or cause more harm.
Foreign objects
When a foreign object like dirt or an eyelash gets in your eye, the eye will try to get it out by blinking and tearing. If that doesn’t help, wash your hands and try these tips:
• If you have been hammering or grinding something that could have exposed you to high-velocity metal fragments, do not attempt to remove the object from your eye. Get immediate emergency medical assistance.
• Try to rinse the object out of your eye using clean water or saline solution. You can use a small, clean drinking glass to flush the eye with tap water. Rest the glass against the bone at the base of the eye socket and gently pour the water into the eye.
• Try lifting the upper lid out and down over the lower lid to see if the lower lashes can help brush the object off the inner eyelid.
• If you are with someone who has something in her eye, look in the eye to see if you can find the object. Have her sit in a well lighted area. Look carefully at all sides of the eye by having her look to each side, then up and down. If you can see the object, try to rinse it out of the eye.
• If you cannot rinse the object out or if the object appears to be imbedded in the eyeball, see your healthcare professional right away.
Caution: Do not rub your eye. Do not remove an object that is imbedded in your eyeball.
If you are able to rinse the object out of your eye, you may continue to have a scratchy feeling for a day or two. If the discomfort lasts longer than two days or if your vision is blurred, seek medical attention.
Chemicals
If you have a chemical splash into your eye, follow these instructions right away:
• Flush your eye with water. Use clean tap water and flush your eye continuously for 20 minutes. You can do this by getting in the shower, holding your head under a faucet, or pouring water from a clean container. Direct the stream of water at the forehead over the affected eye or over the bridge of the nose if both eyes are involved. Hold your eyes open to make sure they are completely flushed clean.
• Remove contacts – if your contact is not flushed out of your eye by the water, remove it to make sure none of the chemical is trapped between the lens and your eyelid.
• Wash your hands – use soap and water to make sure none of the chemical is left on them.
Caution: Do not rub your eye. Do not put anything in your eye other than water or saline solution. Do not use eye drops unless a healthcare professional instructs you to.
Blows, cuts, or punctures on the eye or eyelid
• If you are hit in the eye, use a cold compress to reduce swelling, but be careful not to put pressure on your eye.
• If you have pain, reduced vision, or a black eye get medical attention. These can be symptoms of damage to the inside of your eye that can permanently affect your vision.
• If you have a cut on your eye, do not wash your eye with water or any other liquid. Cover your eye with something stiff enough to protect it, such as the bottom part of a paper cup. Make sure you don’t put any pressure on the eye. Get medical attention right away.
If you plan to participate in any activity that can be hazardous to your eyes, such as playing sports or working with chemicals, take precautions to protect your eyes. If your eye is injured in any way, don’t risk your vision by assuming the problem is minor. See your doctor as soon as possible.
Resources:
National Institutes of Health: Medline Plus
Prevent Blindness America
Mayo Clinic: Eye First Aid
Mayo Clinic: Chemical Splash