Sooner or later you will have to remove a speck from your eye. In most cases the foreign body will naturally flow out of the eye through the tears. If you have something in your eye that could damage it you need to see a doctor, particles such as a grain of sand, makeup, an eyelash in the eye can be removed without the need for medical assistance. Follow these steps to remove a speck from the eye.
Steps
Step 1. Blink your eyes frequently
Blinking facilitates natural tearing. This is the least invasive method.
Step 2. Ask someone to remove the foreign body
As they check your eye, look up, down and to the side.
Step 3. Cleanse the eye with cold water or saline
- Wash your eye with cold water over the sink. Pour the water carefully over the open eye or use a small cup while tilting your head back with the open eye.
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Use physiological solution. While holding the eye open with one hand, tilt your head back and pour several drops of saline into the eye.
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Lift your upper eyelid and cleanse with cold water. Squinting while the foreign body has not yet escaped can cause the speck to move under the eyelid.
Remove a Speck From Your Eye Step 4 Step 4. Push the upper lid down past the lower lid
As you close your upper eyelid, rotate your eye.
Remove a Speck From Your Eye Step 5 Step 5. Remove a foreign body from the sclera
The sclera is the white part of the eye. Use a damp cotton swab, clean handkerchief, or damp napkin to remove the foreign body. Hold the eyelid open with one hand while removing the foreign body with the other.
Remove a Speck From Your Eye Step 6 Step 6. See a doctor if you are unable to remove the foreign body
Blindfold to reduce sun exposure until you can see an eye doctor.
Advice
- Wash your hands before removing the foreign body. Rinse your hands well to avoid further irritating the eye with soap residue.
- If you work in construction, with chemicals or in the presence of dust you should wear protective eyewear.
Warnings
- If a foreign body has lodged in the eye or chemicals have come into contact with it, seek immediate medical attention.
- Avoid rubbing your eye. You will be tempted to do this because the foreign body will cause irritation. If you rub your eye, the foreign body could scratch it increasing the severity of the situation.
