Should You Remove Eyelashes Stuck in Your Eye? Expert Insights

Q: Should You Remove Eyelashes Stuck in Your Eye? Expert Insights

Hello： Generally speaking, eyelashes that fall into the eye do not cause serious harm and typically do not require special treatment or removal. <br>Blinking can help expel the eyelash from the eye, but it may take several hours or longer for it to be expelled naturally. <br>If t

Do you need to remove an eyelash that has fallen into your eye?

When an eyelash falls into the eye, it can cause discomfort on the cornea and a foreign body sensation on the sclera.
One may instinctively blink repeatedly until the eyelash is no longer on the surface of the eyeball, and after a while, the foreign body sensation may subside.
I have previously attempted to remove the eyelash using tissues or cotton swabs, with mixed success.
However, each attempt often resulted in conjunctival injection, not to mention the tissue fibers getting onto the sclera.
I once consulted an ophthalmologist who advised that it may not be necessary to remove it.
I have also heard that eyelashes lodged in the fornix can be gradually expelled with tears.
Based on the above, is it essential to remove an eyelash from the eye due to potential harm, or is it sufficient to simply blink and allow the eyelash to disappear from the surface of the eyeball naturally?

Hei Lang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/05

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Generally speaking, eyelashes that fall into the eye do not cause serious harm and typically do not require special treatment or removal.
Blinking can help expel the eyelash from the eye, but it may take several hours or longer for it to be expelled naturally.
If the eyelash remains in the eye and causes significant discomfort, you can try using lubricating eye drops to help the eyelash slide out more easily.
When using eye drops, please follow the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to seek assistance from an ophthalmologist.
If you attempt to remove the eyelash yourself, be sure to maintain hand hygiene to avoid introducing more bacteria or dirt into the eye.
If you must touch your eye, wash your hands first and try to avoid touching the eyeball.

Reply Date: 2023/05/05

More Info

When it comes to eyelashes that get stuck in your eye, it’s important to understand the potential risks and the best practices for dealing with the situation. Eyelashes can indeed cause discomfort, particularly if they come into contact with the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) or the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white part of the eye). Here are some expert insights on whether you should remove eyelashes stuck in your eye and how to handle the situation safely.

Understanding the Risks
1. Discomfort and Irritation: Eyelashes can cause a sensation of something being in your eye, leading to excessive blinking, tearing, and irritation. This is your body’s natural response to try to flush out the foreign object.

2. Potential for Injury: Attempting to remove the eyelash with tools like cotton swabs or tissues can lead to further irritation or even injury to the eye. The cornea is delicate, and any rough handling can cause scratches or abrasions, which can lead to infections or more serious complications.

3. Infection Risk: Using non-sterile materials, such as tissues or cotton swabs, can introduce bacteria into the eye, increasing the risk of conjunctivitis or other infections.

Expert Recommendations
1. Do Not Panic: If an eyelash gets stuck in your eye, the first step is to remain calm. Most of the time, your eye will naturally expel the eyelash through blinking and tearing.

2. Avoid Rubbing: Rubbing your eyes can exacerbate irritation and increase the risk of injury. Instead, try to blink frequently to encourage tears to wash the eyelash out.

3. Use Artificial Tears: If you are experiencing discomfort, using preservative-free artificial tears can help lubricate the eye and may assist in flushing out the eyelash.

4. Seek Professional Help: If the eyelash does not come out on its own after a reasonable amount of time (usually a few minutes), or if you experience persistent pain, redness, or vision changes, it’s important to seek medical attention. An eye care professional can safely remove the eyelash without risking further injury.

5. Natural Removal: As you mentioned, some experts suggest that eyelashes that get stuck in the eye will eventually be washed away by tears. This is often true, especially if the eyelash is located on the conjunctiva rather than directly on the cornea.

Conclusion
In summary, while it can be uncomfortable to have an eyelash stuck in your eye, it is generally advisable to avoid trying to remove it yourself, especially with non-sterile materials. Instead, allow your eye to naturally expel the eyelash through blinking and tearing. If discomfort persists or if you have concerns about your eye health, do not hesitate to consult an eye care professional. They can provide the appropriate care and ensure that your eye remains healthy and free from injury. Remember, your eyes are delicate, and taking the right precautions is essential for maintaining good eye health.

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