Something Stuck in Your Eye? How to Get It Out Safely

If something is stuck in your eye, blink, pull your upper lid over your lower lid, then rinse with clean water or saline. Do not rub your eye. If it is embedded or affects vision, seek medical care immediately.

This article was reviewed by the Glasses.com Editorial Team for clarity and safety to provide practical guidance for minor eye irritants and explain when professional medical care is needed.

How to Get Something Out of Your Eye

A small particle such as dust, an eyelash, or another loose irritant can often be removed without touching the surface of your eye.

Before trying to remove anything, wash your hands. Avoid rubbing your eye, as rubbing can scratch the cornea or make irritation worse.

Try these steps:

• Blink several times. Your natural tears may wash away a small particle.
• Pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid. Then release it. This can help your eyelashes move a loose particle away from the surface of the eye.
• Rinse your eye. Use clean water or saline solution to flush the irritant away.
• Use artificial tears if appropriate. Lubricating eye drops may help wash out a small loose particle and soothe minor irritation.
• Give your eye time to recover. Minor irritation should begin to improve after the particle has been removed.

Do not use tweezers, sharp objects, cotton swabs, or cloth directly on the surface of your eye to try to remove the particle.

What if the particle is under my eyelid?

If you think something is trapped under your upper eyelid, gently pull the upper lid over the lower lid and release it. The movement may help the lower eyelashes catch or move the particle.

If the particle is under the lower eyelid, look upward while gently pulling the lower lid down. If you can see a loose particle, flushing the eye with clean water or saline may help remove it.

Do not attempt to scrape or pick the particle from your eye.

What Should You Do If Something Is Stuck in Your Eye?

The right response depends on whether the object is a loose irritant or an object that has become embedded.

A loose eyelash or speck of dust can often be flushed away. An object that has penetrated or become embedded in the eye requires immediate medical attention.

The most important distinction is whether the object is loose or embedded. Never try to pull out an object that appears stuck in the eye itself.

How to Remove a Particle From Your Eye Without Causing Damage

When you have something in your eye, the instinct may be to rub it. Try not to.

Rubbing can move the particle across the surface of the eye and potentially cause a corneal abrasion. Touching the eye with unclean hands or objects can also introduce bacteria.

Instead, focus on flushing the eye.

Stand over a sink and gently rinse the affected eye with clean water. You can also use saline solution intended for eye use. Keep the eye open during the rinse so the liquid can reach the affected area.

If someone is helping you, they can gently pour water or saline over the eye from the side while you keep the affected eye open.

What not to do when something is in your eye

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Do not rub your eye.
• Do not use tweezers or other sharp objects.
• Do not scrape the surface of your eye.
• Do not touch your eye with dirty hands.
• Do not try to remove an embedded object yourself.
• Do not continue trying to remove a particle if pain or irritation is getting worse.

If a simple rinse does not solve the problem, stop trying to remove the object yourself and consider getting medical care.

What If Something Is in Your Eye and Won't Come Out?

If something in your eye won't come out after blinking and rinsing, don't keep rubbing or picking at your eye.

A persistent sensation that something is stuck can mean that a particle is still present. It can also happen because the surface of the eye has become irritated or scratched.

Pay attention to how your eye feels after rinsing. If the discomfort continues, becomes worse, or your vision changes, seek medical attention.

If an object is embedded in your eye, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Keep the eye as still as possible and seek medical assistance immediately.

What if my contact lens feels stuck?

If you wear contact lenses and suddenly feel that something is stuck in your eye, the problem may involve the contact lens itself.

Remove the contact lens if you can do so safely. Do not continue wearing a lens that is torn, damaged, or causing significant discomfort.

If you cannot remove the contact lens or the eye remains painful or irritated, seek professional eye care.

When Should You Go to a Doctor for Something in Your Eye?

Some eye injuries require prompt medical attention rather than home treatment.

Seek medical care immediately if:

• An object is embedded in your eye.
• Your vision changes after the injury.
• You have significant or increasing eye pain.
• The irritation does not improve after flushing.
• Your eye remains very uncomfortable after the particle has been removed.
• The injury involved glass, metal, wood, or another potentially damaging object.
• A chemical or harsh substance entered your eye.

Chemical exposure is particularly important. If a harsh chemical gets into your eye, begin flushing the eye with water immediately and seek emergency medical care.

Do not delay medical attention because you are unsure whether the injury is serious. Eye injuries can cause lasting damage, particularly when an object penetrates the eye or vision is affected.

Can Something in Your Eye Cause Redness or Swelling?

Yes. A small particle can irritate the surface of the eye and cause temporary redness, watering, or discomfort.

If the irritation improves after the particle is removed, the symptoms may gradually settle. However, persistent or worsening redness, pain, or swelling can indicate that the eye needs professional evaluation.

If your eye remains red after you have removed the irritant, you can learn more about possible causes and care in our guide.

Still dealing with red eyes?
Learn how to get rid of red eyes

If the eye is swollen or the swelling is not improving, see our additional guide:

Have swelling around your eye?
Learn how to get rid of a swollen eye

How Can You Prevent Something From Getting in Your Eye?

You cannot prevent every eye irritant, but protective eyewear can reduce exposure during activities where dust, debris, or other materials may reach your eyes.

Consider protective eyewear when working with materials such as:

• Wood
• Glass
• Dust
• Chemicals
• Other materials that can produce airborne particles

The right eye protection depends on the activity and the potential hazard.

For everyday eyewear, fit also matters. Glasses that sit comfortably and securely can make it easier to wear them consistently.

Looking for everyday eyewear?
Browse eyeglasses at Glasses.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a particle out of my eye safely?

Blink several times and try pulling your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid. You can also rinse the eye with clean water or saline solution. Do not rub or use tweezers, cotton swabs, or sharp objects on the eye.

Should I rub my eye if something is stuck?

No. Rubbing can move the particle across the surface of the eye and may cause a corneal abrasion. Instead, blink and rinse the eye with clean water or saline. If the object remains or symptoms worsen, seek medical care.

When should I go to a doctor for something in my eye?

Seek medical care immediately if an object is embedded, vision changes, pain or irritation worsens, or the object does not come out after rinsing. Chemical exposure or an injury involving potentially damaging materials also requires prompt medical attention.

What should I do if something is stuck in my eye and won't come out?

Stop rubbing or trying to remove it yourself. Rinse the eye with clean water or saline. If the sensation continues, or you have pain, worsening irritation, or vision changes, seek medical care.

Can I use water to get something out of my eye?

Yes. Clean water can be used to flush a loose particle from the eye. Keep the affected eye open while gently rinsing. Do not use force or try to scrape the particle away.

What if a chemical gets in my eye?

Flush the affected eye with water immediately. Continue flushing and seek emergency medical care. Do not wait to see whether symptoms improve before getting help.

Key Takeaway

• Start with blinking and rinsing: A loose eyelash, speck, or particle may be removed by blinking or flushing the eye with clean water or saline.
• Do not rub your eye: Rubbing can worsen irritation and may scratch the cornea.
• Never remove an embedded object yourself: An object that is stuck in the eye requires immediate medical attention.
• Watch for warning signs: Persistent pain, worsening irritation, or changes in vision require prompt professional evaluation.
• Chemical exposure is an emergency: Flush the eye with water immediately and seek emergency medical care.