How to Remove Foreign Objects from Your Eye

Removing a foreign object from your eye requires evaluating the situation and using the appropriate method. For instance, if a large object like a shard of glass or metal is lodged in your eye, you should immediately go to the emergency room. However, if the object is smaller, such as an eyelash or dust particle, you can rinse it out with water. Learn how to remove foreign objects from your eye to know what to do if you or someone else encounters this situation.

Determine if Immediate Medical Attention is Needed. If something gets stuck in your eye, you may need to call for emergency help before attempting any other measures. There’s a risk of causing additional damage by trying to remove the foreign object yourself. Seek immediate medical assistance if the object is larger than an eyelash or if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache or dizziness
• Double vision or vision loss
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness
• Rash or fever
• Inability to remove the object from the eye
• Pain, redness, or discomfort persists after the object is removed

Wash your hands thoroughly. Washing your hands helps prevent dirt, debris, or bacteria from contaminating your eyes. Use warm water and antibacterial soap to wash for two minutes. Be sure to clean under your nails and between your fingers.

• This preventative step ensures that bacteria, pollutants, or irritants don't enter the eye, a highly vulnerable organ prone to infection.

Check if you can see the foreign object. Identifying the location of the object in your eye can help determine if it's causing harm. It's important to locate the foreign object and avoid using tools to remove it. Anything inserted into the eye could potentially cause damage or lead to an infection.

Move your eye around to locate the object. Move your eye from side to side to figure out where the object is. Shift your gaze from left to right, top to bottom. You may find it difficult to observe while moving your eye. Afterward, check the mirror to see if you can locate the object.

• Turn your head from side to side and nod up and down to move your eyes while looking in the mirror.
• Use your finger to pull down your lower eyelid and slowly look up.
• Repeat the process, this time pulling your upper eyelid up and looking down.
• If you're having trouble seeing anything, you can ask someone else to help you check.

Know what to avoid. Before attempting to remove the foreign object, it’s crucial to know what actions should be avoided. Keep the following in mind when trying to take the foreign object out of your eye:

• Never attempt to remove any metal fragments stuck in your eye, whether large or small.
• Do not press on your eye to try to force the foreign object out.
• Never use tweezers, toothpicks, or other hard objects to remove the foreign object from your eye.

Use an eye wash solution to flush out foreign objects. The most effective way to remove foreign objects or chemicals causing irritation from your eyes is by using a sterile eye wash solution. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) advises rinsing the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. Use a continuous flow of sterile eye wash solution.

• It's important to note that eye wash solutions do not neutralize many chemicals but simply dilute and wash them away. Therefore, you'll need a large amount of eye wash solution.

Stand under the shower and open your eyes to let the water flow in. If you're at home and the foreign object in your eye is small, such as an eyelash or dust, you can try flushing it out by allowing a gentle stream of water from the shower to flow over your eyes.

• Do not direct the water straight into your eye. Allow the water to flow over your forehead, down your face, and across your eyes.
• Use your fingers to keep your eyes open while the water flows through them.
• Let the water flow over your eyes for a few minutes to see if the foreign object is washed out.

Learn the required duration of eye washing for different chemicals. The duration for washing your eyes will depend on the type of chemical involved. If a foreign object is in your eye, continue rinsing until it is removed. If chemicals are present and causing irritation, you will need to rinse for varying periods depending on the type of chemical.

• Wash for 5 minutes for mild irritants.
• Rinse for at least 20 minutes for medium to strong irritants.
• Rinse for 20 minutes for non-perforating corrosive substances like acids.
• Rinse for at least 60 minutes for aggressive corrosive substances such as alkalis.

Seek medical attention immediately if you need to rinse your eyes for an extended period. If the foreign object does not come out after several minutes of washing or if you have been exposed to a strong irritant, you must notify someone immediately. Ask them to contact a poison control center or call emergency services right away.

Know which injuries require immediate eye washing. In some situations, such as when strong irritants come into contact with your eyes, you should not just use sterile eye wash, but instead quickly focus on thoroughly rinsing your eyes and seeking medical help.

• For example, if chemicals like acid, base (alkali), corrosive substances, or an irritant splash into your eyes, stop whatever you are doing and rinse your eyes immediately.
• Remember that some chemicals react with water. For instance, most alkali metals (located in the first column on the left of the periodic table) react violently with water. Do not use water to rinse these chemicals.

Use an eye wash station if available. Most places at risk for chemical splashes in the eyes are equipped with special eye wash stations. If you have a foreign object or chemical in your eyes, rush to the eye wash station and follow these steps:

• Push the hand lever down. The lever should be brightly colored and easily visible.
• Position your face in front of the water jets. The water will spray into your eyes with low pressure.
• Try your best to open your eyes wide. Use your fingers to hold your eyes open while rinsing them.

Wash your eyes under the sink faucet. If an eye wash station isn't available or you're in a place without one (such as at home), you can use the faucet under a sink. Tap water isn't ideal for eye washing because it isn't as sterile as distilled water in lab settings, but rinsing away chemicals from your eyes is far more important than worrying about potential infection. Here's how to wash your eyes at a sink:

• Go to the nearest sink and turn on cold water. If the water is too cold, adjust it to a lukewarm temperature.
• Then, lean over the sink, open your eyes, and let water flow into both eyes. If the faucet is detachable, you can direct the water into your eyes with low pressure, using your hands to hold your eyes open.
• Rinse your eyes for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Call a poison control center for advice on handling irritating chemicals. (In Vietnam, call emergency services at 115). If someone is available to help, have them call while you're rinsing your eyes, and seek medical attention immediately afterward.

• If dangerous chemicals are in your eyes, seek medical care as soon as possible, even after rinsing your eyes.

• Avoid touching your eyes or using any objects or tools to remove foreign particles from your eyes. Sterile eye wash or water are the best options for flushing out debris from your eyes.