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Eyelashes, just like any other item, can cause distress when they get inside the eye. Plus, taking the eyelash out of the eye can be a very frustrating affair, particularly when you don’t know the right way to do it.
This article will examine different ways to get eyelashes out of the eye safely and effectively.
How to Remove Eyelashes From the Eye
Extracting an eyelash from the eye calls for a lot of patience and care. So, take a deep breath and follow these methods, because this can happen a lot!
Note: The first important thing is to take out your contact lenses because you don’t want them to get in the way of eyelash removal.
1. Use a damp cotton swab
Follow these steps to remove eyelashes from your eyes using a cotton swab:
- Make sure your hands are freshly cleaned.
- Look at your eye in the mirror very closely and find the little eyelash. For this, you may need a good view of your eyes by holding back the skin above and under your eyes.
- Once you have determined its location, take a clean cotton swab that is dampened beforehand to remove the eyelash.
- If your eyelash is attached to or under the eyelid, carefully tug on the eyelid by pulling it outward and then remove the eyelash.
2. Submerge your face in a bowl of water
Follow these simple steps to remove eyelashes from your eyes:
- Take a huge bowl or a basin, and fill it with water all the way to the brim. Use clean water or even bottled water instead of tap water.
- Submerge your face in the basin filled with water.
- While your head is in the water, blink your eyes rapidly and quickly a couple of times.
- Come back up and check if the eyelash has been removed. If not, repeat until it’s gone.
3. Use eye drops
Another easy way to help remove an eyelash stuck in your eyes is to use eye drops, also popularly known as artificial tears. These are great at keeping your eyes hydrated and act like an eye wash that can help get rid of eyelashes in the eye. (1)
Simply follow these steps to remove eyelashes from your eyes using eye drops:
- Put a few drops of the eye drop into your eyes.
- Blink your eyes to evenly distribute the drops inside.
- This should remove the eyelash from your eyes. If not, you can try again as artificial tears are very safe to use.
4. Use a saline solution
Just like eye drops, a saline solution for eye irrigation can be the way to go. It can be used when you do not have eye drops lying around at home.
Follow these steps to remove eyelashes from your eyes using a saline solution:
- A saline solution can be made at home by mixing very little salt (½ tsp) in a full cup of water and then boiling the mixture.
- Let the saline solution cool down, and put it in a squeeze bottle.
- To irrigate your eyes, add drops of the solution to your eyes, close your eyes for a few seconds, and then blink them repeatedly to remove the eyelash.
5. Put a little pressure on the eye
Carefully apply some pressure around the eyes by pulling down the skin below your eyes and also pulling upward the skin above your eyes. This will loosen the eyelash from its position, after which it will easily get out upon blinking a few times.
6. Give it some rest
Your eyes have an inbuilt system of getting rid of anything that gets stuck in them.
So, if the eyelash that is stuck in your eyes is not causing any irritation or inconvenience, then you can simply let it be for a night as you sleep. In the morning, there’s a good chance that the eyelash will be removed from inside your eyes.
Note: If you are incapable of removing the eyelash from the eye by yourself or if you encounter symptoms such as discomfort, aching, and redness, call for medical help.
How Eyelashes Get into the Eye
Eyelashes can get inside your eye when they drop out of the eyelid or if they are brought closer to your eyes when rubbing your eyes.
However, the extensively common route for eyelashes to get into the eye is via the wind.
Symptoms of Eyelashes Stuck in the Eye
According to eye specialists, an eyelash that gets into the eye can cause some symptoms, such as irritation, reddening of the eye, watery eyes, and pain.
You may also go through this feeling of scratchiness in the eye. In some rare cases, the eyelash may scrape the surface of the eye, inducing a corneal abrasion.
What Not to Do if Eyelashes Get in the Eye?
Here is a list of things experts advise you should say no to if you have an eyelash in your eye:
- Do not remove the eyelash from your eyes while wearing your contact lenses. First, take your contacts off.
- Do not touch your eye region with unclean hands as this may lead to the spread of infections.
- It is a big no-no to use sharp tools to remove eyelashes from your eyes.
- If you have eyelashes stuck in your eyes, do not perform any activity that requires undivided attention such as driving.
Preventing Eyelashes From Getting in the Eye
Prevention is better than cure! Preventing eyelashes from getting inside the eye is much more straightforward than expelling them out.
Here are some tips shared by specialists to prevent eyelashes from getting into your eye:
- Make sure your hands are clean before touching your eyes.
- Do not touch your eyes unnecessarily or rub them excessively.
- Wear protective eyewear, such as glasses, in dusty areas.
- Keep your eyes hydrated by using artificial tears or other eye drops. (1)
How Many Lashes Are Normal to Lose in a Day?
Eyelashes aren’t just for enhancing your attractiveness – they also safeguard the eyes from dangerous things that can result in eye damage or infection. These hairs grow, fall out, and regrow inherently every 6–10 weeks, identical to the hair on your head.
It’s expected to shed between 1–5 lashes a day, but losing more than that can be an indication of a health problem in the body or the eyes. (2)
Excessive lash loss may result from: (2)
- Irritation from makeup products
- Blepharitis (inflammation near the base of the eyelashes)
- Trichotillomania (a condition where individuals habitually pull out their eyelashes due to emotional distress)
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, you can extract an eyelash from the eye without the need for medical attention. However, you should pursue medical attention if:
- You are incapable of removing the eyelash from the eye.
- You experience serious symptoms such as swelling or redness.
- You have a record of eye problems or infections.
- You have a corneal abrasion or other form of damage to the eye.
Most-Asked Questions
Can an eyelash cause permanent damage to the eye?
Most eyelashes that get in the eye are harmless and can be removed easily.
Is it safe to use tweezers to remove an eyelash from the eye?
It is not recommended to use tweezers to remove an eyelash from the eye.
Can wearing contact lenses prevent eyelashes from getting into the eye?
Wearing contact lenses does not necessarily prevent eyelashes from getting into the eye.
Final Word
Getting an eyelash in the eye can be an uncomfortable and irritating experience. Fortunately, most eyelashes in the eye can be removed safely and effectively at home.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can remove an eyelash from the eye and prevent it from happening again in the future. Remember to seek medical attention when needed.
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