When something gets into your eyes it can really hurt! While your immediate natural reaction may be to rub your eye, our Las Vegas eye doctor cautions that it’s actually the worst thing to do, as eye rubbing can scratch your cornea. So what should you do?
Most of the time, you can carefully and successfully remove the object that gets into your eye. However, if a foreign item penetrates your eye surface or gets embedded in your eye don’t attempt to remove it on your own! Eye contact with a dangerous chemical substance also requires emergency assistance from your eye doctor. These are cases when immediate medical treatment is necessary. Cover both eyes with a damp cloth and have someone contact our Las Vegas, Nevada, for urgent eye care – or bring you to an emergency room.
How should you remove a particle from your eye?
If an object such as a piece of dirt or stray eyelash gets stuck in your eye, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Look in a mirror to locate the object in your eye.
- Try one of the following:
-
- Blink so your tears can wash the object out; don’t rub your eye.
- If the object is behind your upper eyelid, pull the upper lid forwards and over your lower lid. Then, roll your eyes upwards. This action may dislodge the object so it comes out.
- If the object is stuck in the corner of your eye or under your lower lid, hold the lower lid open and use a damp cotton swab or corner of a clean cloth to remove it.
- Flush the object out by using a small cup filled with lukewarm water. Put your eye over the cup of water and open it so the water rinses your eye. Alternatively, pour lukewarm water over your open eye or hold it under a gently running faucet.
Why does your eye hurt even after you removed the object?
Sometimes, a foreign body in your eye can scratch the cornea. A scratched cornea, or corneal abrasion, can take a few days to heal. If it doesn’t improve quickly on its own, contact our Las Vegas eye doctor. A corneal scratch can lead to infection, and you may need medical treatment.
What should you do if chemicals splash into your eye?
Chemical burns to the eye are a medical emergency! To preserve your healthy, lasting vision, follow these steps:
- Flush your eye immediately with water. Keep your eye open and hold your head under the faucet or pour water directly into your eye from a clean container. If you’re holding your head sideways, make sure the injured eye is “down” so that the chemical doesn’t drip into your other eye!
- Flush your eye with water for 15-30 minutes.
- After you finish rinsing out your eye, call our Las Vegas eye care center to request an emergency eye exam.
- When you visit the eye doctor, bring the container that the chemical was in (if possible).
You got facial soap or shampoo in your eye and it burns! What should you do?
While keeping your face and hair clean is essential, it also poses the risk of getting cleanser in your eye – which can be painful. Soap in the eye is a common occurrence among adults and kids alike. When it happens, rinse your eyes out as soon as possible with clean, cool water. For more tips on how to relieve your stinging eyes, read our “Soap in Your Eye” article here.
If none of these tips bring you soothing relief, call us for eye care – and tell us exactly which solution got in your eye. We provide emergency eye care for patients of all ages.
When is it recommended to call your optometrist?
If you experience any of the following, it is recommended that you contact your eye doctor as soon as possible for guidance:
- Severe or deep eye pain
- Irritation or pain that lasts a half-hour after you remove the object
- A glass shard or chemical in your eye
In general, if you have any concerns or questions about the health of your vision – we’re here to help! Please contact our Las Vegas, Nevada, eye care center.
At Yesnick Vision Center, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 702-500-0525 or book an appointment online to see one of our Las Vegas eye doctors.
Want to Learn More? Read on!
FOLLOW US:
