Got Something in Your Eye? Here’s What to Do Immediately

A sudden sting, watery eyes, and blurred vision, you know the feeling. Something’s stuck in your eye, and you need to act fast. But what should you do first? Rubbing your eye might be your instinct, but it could make things worse. Even the tiniest object in your eye can feel overwhelming, and the wrong reaction can make things worse. Quick, proper first aid for eye injury makes all the difference in preventing long-term problems.

In fact, a meta‑analysis of 28 Indian studies estimated that 3.75% of the population experiences an eye injury at some point, translating to nearly 3.7 million cases across India annually (based on 2021 population). Despite how common these injuries are, many people remain unaware of the right steps to take when they happen.

This blog walks you through how to respond quickly, recognize warning signs, and protect your eyes from further harm with trusted first-aid advice.

Common Foreign Objects That Get into the Eye

Before you try to flush your eye or blink it out, it’s good to know what might be stuck in there. Many things can get into your eye, and here are some usual suspects:

• Dust or sand: A gust of wind is all it takes to send these tiny irritants straight into your eye.
• Eyelashes: They seem harmless, but when one turns the wrong way, it’s incredibly uncomfortable.
• Insects: If you’ve ever been out walking or biking, you know how easily bugs can end up in places they shouldn’t.
• Metal or wood shavings: These are especially common in workshops or construction zones.
• Glass fragments or chemical splashes: Less common, but often more serious and require urgent care.

Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

How do you know if it’s just irritation or something more serious? Keep an eye on these symptoms:

• Redness and irritation
• Excessive tearing or watering
• Blurred or obstructed vision
• Pain or discomfort, especially when blinking
• Sensitivity to light

If these persist after trying to flush your eye, it may be time to seek professional help.

First Steps: What to Do Immediately

If you’re thinking, “I’ve got something in my eye, what now?” take a deep breath. Here’s what you should do:

• Stay calm and avoid rubbing your eye: Rubbing might push the object deeper or scratch your cornea.
• Wash your hands: Don’t introduce more bacteria while trying to help your eye.
• Blink repeatedly: This can sometimes help move the object to a corner where it’s easier to flush out.
• Flush with clean water or saline: Use an eyewash station, sterile saline, or just lukewarm water in a clean container.
• Check under the eyelids: Gently pull down your lower eyelid or lift the upper one while looking up or down. The object might be hiding there.

What NOT to Do

Sometimes our instincts work against us. Here’s what you should avoid:

• Don’t rub your eyes. We know, we said it before, but it’s worth repeating.
• No tweezers, cotton swabs, or sharp objects. This isn’t the time to DIY surgery.
• Don’t try removing anything that’s embedded or large. You could cause serious damage.
• Avoid medicated eye drops unless a doctor has told you to use them. They can mask symptoms or worsen the injury.

When to See an Eye Doctor Immediately

Some situations call for urgent care. Don’t wait if you experience:

• Ongoing pain or discomfort after trying to flush the eye
• Worsening vision or any blurring that doesn’t improve
• Bleeding, visible cuts, or swelling
• Chemical exposure or high-speed impact (like from metal or glass)
• An embedded foreign object, even if it seems small

If you’re ever unsure, play it safe and get it checked.

How to Protect Your Eyes Before Trouble Starts

Eye injuries are often preventable with simple, everyday precautions that keep your vision safe and irritation-free.

• Wear protective eyewear when using tools, handling chemicals, or working in environments with flying debris.
• Use sunglasses or wraparound glasses on windy days to shield your eyes from dust, pollen, and sand.
• Handle contact lenses with clean hands, follow proper hygiene, and replace them as recommended.
• Be cautious with cosmetics and sprays, keep them away from your eyes, and always check for irritants.
• Keep your environment clean, especially workspaces and bedrooms, to reduce airborne particles that can cause trouble.

Keep Your Eyes Protected!

Your eyes are delicate, and even a minor injury can become a major problem if not treated properly. If you’ve got something in your eye, don’t just brush it off. Take swift, careful steps to assess the situation. Avoid those harmful home remedies, and when in doubt, get expert help.

Protect your eyes before small irritants become serious concerns. Dr. Lav Kochgaway offers expert, personalized care to keep your vision safe and healthy.

Book your consultation today for timely guidance and long-term eye protection.

FAQs

Q1. What should I do if something stuck in my eye won’t come out?

Blink repeatedly and flush with clean water. If it won’t come out or causes pain, seek medical help to avoid damage or infection.

Q2. Got something in my eye, how serious is it?

It may be minor, but if you experience persistent discomfort, vision changes, or redness, it’s best to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and care.

Q3. How do I safely flush my eyes at home?

Use clean, lukewarm water or sterile saline. Tilt your head sideways and gently rinse from the inner corner outward for several seconds, avoiding contact with the eye.

Q4. Why shouldn’t I rub my eye if something’s stuck?

Rubbing can push the object deeper or scratch your cornea, leading to more irritation or infection. Always try flushing or blinking instead.

Q5. When should I consult a doctor for something in my eye?

See a doctor if symptoms persist after flushing, if there’s vision loss, pain, bleeding, or if the object is embedded or of a chemical nature.