Is Your Eyelash Lost in Your Eye? Eyelash Discomfort

An eyelash has fallen into the eye?

Hello Doctor, this morning while washing my face, an eyelash fell into my eye.
At first, I felt a prickling foreign body sensation, so I closed my eyes for 30 seconds, and then the sensation went away.
I looked in the mirror to try to find the eyelash, but after searching for a long time and flipping my upper and lower eyelids completely, I still couldn't find it.
I intentionally looked up and down while pulling my eyelids back, but I couldn't locate the eyelash.
Now, I don't feel any foreign body sensation.
Is it possible that it has gone behind my eye? Or does this mean it might have already disappeared? Thank you.

Xiao Ji, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/09/20

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello, the likelihood of eyelashes falling out is quite high, but there is a small chance that they may get stuck inside.
However, they will not "go behind the eye." Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2017/09/20

More Info

When you experience discomfort from an eyelash that has fallen into your eye, it can be quite alarming. However, it’s important to understand the anatomy of the eye and the likelihood of an eyelash getting "lost" behind the eye.

Firstly, the human eye is structured in such a way that there is no direct pathway for an eyelash or any foreign object to travel behind the eyeball. The eye is enclosed in a bony socket, and the space behind the eye is filled with fat and connective tissue, which helps to cushion and protect the eye. Therefore, if an eyelash has fallen into your eye, it is highly unlikely that it has gone behind the eye. Instead, it may be lodged in the conjunctival sac, which is the space between the eyelid and the eyeball.

In your case, since you initially felt discomfort but then it subsided, it is possible that the eyelash either moved to a position where it no longer irritates the eye or was washed out during your attempts to blink or wash your face. The eye has a natural mechanism for clearing out foreign objects, primarily through tears and blinking. Tears help to flush out debris, and blinking can help to dislodge anything that may be stuck.

If you are unable to locate the eyelash after thorough inspection and the discomfort has resolved, it is likely that it has either been expelled or is no longer causing irritation. In most cases, if the eyelash is not causing pain or persistent discomfort, it does not pose a significant risk. However, if you experience any ongoing symptoms such as redness, swelling, or a sensation of something still in your eye, it is advisable to seek medical attention from an eye care professional.

In terms of eye care, here are some recommendations to prevent future discomfort from foreign objects, including eyelashes:
1. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: If you feel something in your eye, try to avoid rubbing it, as this can cause further irritation or even corneal scratches.

2. Use Artificial Tears: If your eyes feel dry or irritated, using lubricating eye drops can help soothe discomfort and assist in flushing out any debris.

3. Practice Good Hygiene: Regularly wash your face and avoid touching your eyes with unclean hands. This can help reduce the risk of introducing foreign objects or bacteria into your eyes.

4. Protective Eyewear: If you are in an environment where debris is common (like construction sites or during certain sports), consider wearing protective eyewear to shield your eyes from potential irritants.

5. Regular Eye Check-ups: Keeping up with regular eye examinations can help ensure that your eyes remain healthy and that any potential issues are addressed promptly.

In conclusion, while it can be unsettling to have an eyelash fall into your eye, the likelihood of it becoming lost behind the eye is virtually nonexistent. If discomfort persists or you have concerns, do not hesitate to consult with an eye care professional for peace of mind and proper care.

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