Eye First Aid

Most of the time when you get something in your eye, your eye washes it out by making tears. In some cases, an object in your eye can scratch your cornea (the clear outer layer on the front of the eye). A scratched cornea takes a couple of days to heal, can be very painful, and may need treatment from your healthcare provider. If you get a chemical in your eye or something is embedded in your eye, you need immediate medical treatment. Follow the instructions below for treating your eye.

How do I remove a particle in my eye?

If something is stuck in your eyeball (such as a glass fragment), do not try to remove it. Tape a paper or Styrofoam cup over your eye to protect it and go immediately to your healthcare provider or emergency room.

To remove a loose eyelash, dirt particle, or other object in your eye:

1. Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
2. Look in a mirror and try to find the object in your eye.
3. Try the following methods to remove the object:
   • Blink several times to allow your tears to wash it out. Do not rub your eye.
   • If the particle is behind your upper eyelid, pull the upper lid out and over the lower lid and roll your eye upward. This can help get the particle come off the upper lid and flush out of the eye.
   • If something is in the corner of your eye or under your lower eyelid, use a wet cotton swab or piece of clean cloth to get it out.
   • Fill an eye cup or small juice glass with lukewarm water. Put your eye over the cup of water and open your eye to rinse your eye and flush the object out.
   • You may also need to pour lukewarm water into your eye or hold your eye under a faucet to flush your eye.

What should I do if I get a chemical in my eye?

Chemical burns to the eyes are a medical emergency. Follow these steps if you get a chemical in your eyes.

1. Immediately flush your eye with water for 15 to 30 minutes. Keep your eye open while flushing with water.
2. After you flush your eye out, call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency department or urgent care center. If possible, bring along the container the chemical was in.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your provider or go to an emergency room if:

• You have severe or worsening eye pain.
• You still have eye pain or irritation 30 minutes after you have removed an object.
• You have glass or a chemical in your eye.
• You have questions or concerns.