How to Get Something Out of Your Eye

Common Objects Stuck in Eye

A number of things can get stuck in your eye. Some are more common than others, but each should be carefully handled either at home or with the help of a doctor.

Here are some objects you might encounter in your eye for one reason or another:

• Eyelashes

• Hair

• Dried eye discharge or mucus (“sleep” in your eye)

• Debris, dust, sand, or dirt

• Makeup

• Soap or shampoo

• Clothing fibers or lint

• Small insects

More serious things can get stuck in your eye, too. You should seek medical attention if you encounter the following:

• Hazardous chemicals

• Glass fragments

• Plastic pieces 

• Metal shards

Chemicals may splash into your eye if you don’t use eye protection during certain activities. Plastic or metal shards can get stuck in your eye if they are thrown about during yardwork or other jobs.

Glass pieces can get in your eye if you break a dish or other glass container, or if you’re in an accident. In many cases, these types of objects can enter your eye at high speed and cause damage on impact.

If you get one of these more serious objects in your eye, it’s critical that you get emergency care. Do not try to remove them yourself — you could cause even more damage without meaning to.

Note: Many things can get stuck or lodged in your eye, and we may not have them all listed here. Use your best judgment when deciding whether you should attempt to remove something at home or seek professional help. If you’re not sure if something is safe to remove, it’s better to have a doctor check it.

How to Flush Your Eye

Dust, sand, makeup, and other types of debris can typically be flushed out of your eye with clean water, sterile eye wash, or saline solution. This helps to ensure that each little particle is removed. It’s usually possible to rinse away eyelashes, small hairs, and lint as well.

Shampoo, soap, and mild liquid irritants should also be flushed out of your eye immediately. Some products have directions on the label that you can refer to if you need to flush your eye. If not, there are some general steps to follow when it comes to rinsing your eye(s).

Whether you’ve encountered dirt, hair, or soap in your eye, here’s how to wash out your eye(s) using water from a shower or sink:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Remove your contact lenses if you’re wearing them.
3. Clean your face and the area around your eyes with a wet washcloth to remove any remaining debris.
4. Adjust your sink faucet or showerhead to allow for a soft flow of lukewarm water.
5. Tilt your head sideways to let the water run over your face and eyes.
6. Try to keep your eyes open while the water streams over to flush out any debris.
7. Continue for 15 minutes to ensure any foreign elements wash away completely.

Keep this process as gentle as possible so it doesn’t cause any additional damage or irritation. Be sure not to look directly into the faucet or showerhead and let the water naturally flow over and into your eyes.

If you don’t have access to a sink or shower, the same process can be completed by gently pouring a pitcher of warm water over your eyes. You can also use sterile eye wash or saline solution to flush your eyes instead of running them under clean water — just avoid any medicated solutions.

What to Avoid When Removing Something from Your Eye

Removing something that’s stuck in your eye can be a tricky process. If you’re not careful, you can do more harm than good. While the discomfort may tempt you to rub your eyes, don’t do it! Eye rubbing may further embed the object, worsen the damage, or lead to an infection or corneal abrasion.

To avoid causing harm, remember the following when trying to remove something from your eye:

• Don’t rub your eyes.

• Don’t use unwashed hands or unsanitary tools in or around your eyes.

• Don’t poke at or forcefully try to remove an object.

• Don’t flush your eyes with medicated eye drops or solutions with harsh ingredients.

• Don’t touch or attempt to remove anything from the colored part of your eye (the iris) — this can cause corneal damage.

• Don’t touch or try to remove an item that has pierced your eye or become embedded inside of it.

• Don’t hesitate to contact your eye doctor for help.

If you’re struggling in any way, call your eye doctor and make an appointment.