It’s common to get the occasional eyelash in the eye, but it’s no fun when it’s stuck in there and you can’t get it out. While the feeling of having something foreign wedged in your eye can be disconcerting, with a bit of patience and care, you can get out that bothersome eyelash.
We’ll guide you through a step-by-step process for removing an eyelash gently and easily.
If you can’t get it even when following these instructions, visit your eye doctor for help.
When to Seek Medical Attention for an Eyelash
Removing an eyelash from your eye may seem harmless, but if you’re not careful, it can lead to infection, irritation, and damage to your eyes.
If you experience redness, swelling, discharge, or pain in your eyes or eyelids after removing an eyelash, these are all warning signs that something isn’t right. Don’t ignore these symptoms, as they could indicate a serious problem. Always err on the side of caution and seek medical attention if you’re concerned.
Step-by-Step Guide for Removing an Eyelash from Your Eye
Here’s a gentle way to remove an eyelash:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to ensure they’re clean before touching your eye.
- Look in a mirror to locate the eyelash in your eye. Stay calm and avoid rubbing your eye, which can cause further irritation.
- Blink several times to see if the eyelash will naturally shift position and come out on its own. Sometimes, this simple action can dislodge the eyelash.
- If blinking doesn’t work, try using clean fingers or a tissue to gently touch the corner of your eye where the eyelash is located. You can lift your upper eyelid slightly while looking down to expose the underside of your eyelid.
- Once you’ve located the eyelash, use a damp cotton swab or a clean, wet tissue to gently brush the eyelash off your eye. Be careful not to poke or press too hard.
- If the eyelash is stubborn and won’t come off easily, you can try flushing your eye with clean, lukewarm water. Tilt your head back and pour a small stream of water into the inner corner of your eye. Allow the water to flow across your eye and help remove the eyelash.
- After successfully removing the eyelash, take a moment to blink and check that your eye feels comfortable and is no longer irritated.
Natural Remedies for Getting Rid of an Eyelash
If following the removal process didn’t work for you, you can also try:
- Using a warm compress to help soften the skin and bring the eyelash closer to the surface.
- Gently massaging the area to see if that helps dislodge it.
- Using saline solution to help rinse out the eyelash and soothe the affected area.
Call your eye doctor if you’ve tried these remedies and the eyelash still won’t come out. They’ll be able to safely remove that pesky eyelash and treat any issues it causes.
Aftercare Tips to Prevent More Problems
After removing a stuck eyelash, your eye may need some TLC:
- Avoid touching the affected area too much.
- Resist the temptation to rub, as this can cause further irritation.
- Use a sterile saline solution or water to gently clean your eyes.
- Avoid using makeup for the day.
- If you wear contact lenses, wear your glasses until your eye heals.
- Stay away from dusty and dirty areas to help prevent any more problems.
Following these aftercare tips can promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Side Effects of Stuck Eyelashes
Even if you’re successful at removing the stuck eyelash, there can sometimes be complications:
- Eye redness and irritation: The constant presence of an eyelash can cause inflammation and discomfort.
- Eye infection: When an eyelash remains stuck for an extended period, bacteria can accumulate, leading to an infection. If you experience symptoms like increased pain, swelling, or discharge, consult your eye doctor immediately.
- Corneal abrasion: Sometimes, a stuck eyelash can scratch the eye’s surface, causing discomfort, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision.
These circumstances all require medical attention to address. Call your eye doctor if you notice any lingering symptoms after removing an eyelash.
When in Doubt, Call Your Eye Doctor
Ensuring the safe removal of embedded eyelashes is crucial to avoid complications. Our step-by-step guide can help prepare you for the process and reduce the risks.
Don’t risk complications by following the wrong advice or delaying help. Your eye health matters. When in doubt, prioritize caution. book an appointment with Advance Eye Care Center today for help.
