Share:

The eyes can usually keep out dust, dirt, and debris. Once in a while, though, a stubborn eyelash, clothing fiber, or other nuisance may get stuck in your eye, and natural tears may not be able to rinse it away. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to get the particle out. Here, an optometrist from Dr. Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates in Aiea, HI, explains what to do.

How to Get Something Out of Your Eye

1. Locate the Particle 

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before attempting to locate the item and remove it. Then take out any contact lenses if you’re wearing them and stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit area. Open your eyes wide. If you still don’t see what’s bothering you, lift your upper lid and look down or pull down the lower lid and look up. 

2. Maneuver the Lids 

optometristIf you manage to locate the speck of debris, try to get it out by manipulating your lids or the skin around the eye. For example, if the particle is under the lower lid, pull the eyelid out and use a damp cotton ball to lift the particle out gently. If the particle is under the upper lid, pull the upper down over the lower lid, then let it spring back up. This might allow the particle to slip out. Avoid rubbing your eye since you may scrape it with the particle inside.

3. Flush the Eye

If you cannot locate the particle or get it out by maneuvering the lids, rinsing the eye can help flush it out. This may also be necessary if there are multiple specks caught under the lids. To flush your eyes, fill a container or designated eye cup with clean water or saline, dip your eye in it, and blink several times. 

Although the above tips can help in many scenarios, some circumstances call for an optometrist. If something’s stuck in your eye and you can’t get it out, consult an eye doctor at Dr. Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates. This practice uses the latest advancements in the field, but they still provide the personalized and attentive care of a small local office. Their comprehensive services include everything from foreign body removal and pink eye treatment to contact lens fittings and glaucoma management. Visit their website to learn more about how they can help you, and call (808) 487-5500 to make an appointment.

tracking