Eye Pain and Foreign Body Sensation in the Eyelid

Q: Eye Pain and Foreign Body Sensation in the Eyelid

Hello： 1. <br>You can first rinse your eyes with eye drops or saline solution; this may help flush out the foreign object. <br>If it still doesn't come out, you can look in the mirror and gently evert your upper eyelid. <br>If you see the object, you can use a cotton swab or a cl

A gritty sensation in the upper eyelid of the right eye?

Hello doctor, two days ago while washing my face, I suddenly experienced severe pain in my right eye.
It hurt so much that I couldn't open my eye, and the tighter I closed it, the more it hurt, making it even harder to open.
At that moment, I was rubbing my eye and splashing water on it, which allowed me to barely open it.
However, if I blinked, it would hurt so much that I couldn't open it again.
There was some redness and swelling, but it subsided within a few minutes.
I didn't use any facial cleansers, just plain water to wash my face.
I recalled that I often have eyelashes fall into my eyes (I’d like to ask why this happens, as my friends don’t seem to have this issue), so I suspect that an eyelash might have fallen into my eye while I was closing it, and when I rubbed my eye, I might have pushed it into my upper eyelid, which now gives me a foreign body sensation when I close my eye.
That night, if I closed my right eye and looked up or up to the left, it would hurt, but if I slightly pinched my upper eyelid and moved my eyeball, I wouldn’t feel the scraping pain.
Therefore, I would like to ask:
1.
What should I do in such situations? Eyelashes falling into my eyes happens quite often, and usually, I just wash my hands and rub to get them out.

2.
Can an ophthalmologist check for foreign bodies in the upper eyelid? I’ve tried pinching my upper eyelid, but it’s too dark to see anything.
I’ve heard that ophthalmologists can evert the entire upper eyelid, but will they be able to see the whole inner surface? Are there any blind spots? Additionally, since the eyelash falling in is just a guess, are there other conditions that could cause this? Given the current pandemic, I want to address all my issues in one visit to the ophthalmologist, as I’m worried about making a trip for nothing.
Thank you.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/23

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: 1.
You can first rinse your eyes with eye drops or saline solution; this may help flush out the foreign object.
If it still doesn't come out, you can look in the mirror and gently evert your upper eyelid.
If you see the object, you can use a cotton swab or a clean finger to carefully remove it.
2.
You can examine the area thoroughly, as it is almost entirely visible without any blind spots.
Any foreign body, eye stone, or eye inflammation could cause such sensations.
If you are concerned about the pandemic and hesitant to go to a hospital, you can visit an ophthalmology clinic for an examination.
Online responses should only be used as a reference; if necessary, you should seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2021/06/23

More Info

Hello! It sounds like you're experiencing some significant discomfort in your right eye, and I understand your concerns about the pain and the sensation of a foreign body in your eyelid. Let's break down your situation and address your questions.

1. Immediate Management of Eye Pain and Foreign Body Sensation: When you experience sudden eye pain, especially if it feels like something is in your eye, the first step is to avoid rubbing your eye. Rubbing can exacerbate the irritation and potentially cause more damage. Instead, try to flush your eye gently with clean water or saline solution. If you suspect that a foreign body, like an eyelash, is causing the discomfort, you can try to blink frequently to see if it dislodges. If the pain persists or if you experience significant redness, swelling, or vision changes, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
2. Eye Examination for Foreign Bodies: An eye care professional (optometrist or ophthalmologist) can perform a thorough examination of your eye, including the upper eyelid. They have specialized tools, such as a slit lamp, which allows them to examine the eye in detail, including the eyelids and the surface of the eye. They can indeed flip your upper eyelid to check for any foreign bodies or irritation that may not be visible otherwise. While there may be some areas that are harder to see, a trained professional can usually identify any issues effectively.

3. Causes of Eyelash Discomfort: It's not uncommon for eyelashes to fall into the eye, especially if you have longer lashes or if you frequently touch your eyes. Other potential causes for the sensation of a foreign body in the eye could include dry eyes, allergies, or even small particles of dust or debris that may have entered the eye. If you have a history of frequent eyelash loss or irritation, it might be worth discussing this with your eye care provider to rule out any underlying conditions.

4. When to Seek Medical Attention: Given that you are experiencing significant pain and a sensation of something being in your eye, it is advisable to see an eye care professional as soon as possible. They can provide a comprehensive examination and determine if there is any damage to your eye or if any foreign body needs to be removed. Additionally, they can offer treatment options to alleviate your symptoms, such as lubricating eye drops or other medications if necessary.

5. Preventive Measures: To prevent future occurrences, consider practicing good eye hygiene. Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands, and be cautious when applying makeup or using products around your eyes. If you wear contact lenses, ensure they are clean and that you follow the recommended wearing schedule.
In summary, while it’s possible that a stray eyelash is causing your discomfort, other factors could also be at play. Given the pain and the sensation of a foreign body, I recommend seeking an eye examination as soon as possible to ensure your eye health and to receive appropriate treatment. Your vision is important, and addressing these symptoms early can help prevent further complications.

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