If you've ever gotten something in your eye you know that it's maddening. You can't do anything until you get it out of there. Here's the way to take it out safely so you can get on with your day in peace.

If there is something dangerous in your eye you need to go to the emergency room. Tape a paper cup or even a Styrofoam cup over the eye and go. Dangerous items includes a piece of glass, metal or some other object other than lint or eyelashes or a piece of mascara.

Look at your eye closely. Can you see what's in it? It helps to know exactly where the object is. If you can see it, try to blink to wash your eye with tears. Sometimes that takes it out.

Attempt to flush your eye with water. You can use an eye dropper. Hold your eye open with one hand and pour water over your eye with the other. You can also use some other small object and pour the water into the eye. A small measuring cup is ideal.

If you can't see the object, it's probably under your eyelid. Pull the upper lid down over the bottom lashes and look upwards. This sometimes dislodges it. You can try to use an eye wash cup. Put it over the eye, holding the lid open with the cup, and tilt your head backwards so that the water runs into your eye. If you don't have an eye wash cup you can use a small juice glass and hold your eyelid open. Repeat this as needed.

Wet a cotton swab and dab at the object very gently if it is under the bottom lid or in the corner of your eye. The object should stick to the swab and come right out. Do this gently.

If you have tried all this and the object will not come out you will have to go to a doctor because the object is probably embedded in your eye. Don't delay in doing this--it's very easy to get an eye infection.

Tip

  • Don't put anything into your eye but a cotton swab and only use this with a very very gentle touch.

Writer Bio

Sheila Wilkinson worked as an editor and writer for "The St. Mary Journal" and has published extensively on various websites. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Alabama, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies in the areas of psychology, sociology and English. Sheila owns an Internet bookstore.

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