What to Do When You Get an Eyelash in Your Eye: Causes, Removal, and Prevention
Find out what to do when an eyelash gets stuck in your eye, how to safely remove it, and tips to prevent discomfort and complications from stray lashes.
What Happens When an Eyelash Gets in Your Eye?
An eyelash in your eye is a common, usually minor problem, but it can be surprisingly uncomfortable. Eyelashes serve a key function: they protect your eyes from dust, debris, and sweat, but occasionally one can loosen and get trapped inside the eye. If this happens, it may cause immediate irritation, redness, and watering as your body’s natural response tries to flush out the foreign object.
- Symptoms of a stray eyelash can include a scratchy sensation, burning, tearing, redness, and sometimes blurred vision.
- Most eyelashes that fall into the eye are washed away quickly by tears and blinking, but some become stuck and require removal.
- If not promptly removed, a trapped eyelash can lead to discomfort or, in rare cases, infection or further complications.
Why Do Eyelashes Fall Out?
Eyelash shedding is a natural process governed by the lash’s growth cycle. Like other body hairs, eyelashes are replaced regularly as part of their normal life span. Factors that increase eyelash shedding include physical trauma (such as rubbing the eyes), cosmetic treatments, or underlying medical conditions.
- Eyelash growth cycle has three phases: anagen (active growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting/shedding).
- Makeup removal, excessive eye rubbing, extensions, and certain medical treatments can cause premature eyelash loss.
- Some conditions and medications (like treatment for glaucoma or thyroid disorders) can increase or decrease eyelash shedding.
Immediate Steps If You Get an Eyelash in Your Eye
The sensation of a foreign object in the eye can prompt an instinctive reaction: rubbing your eyes. However, this action is best avoided, as it increases the risk of scratching the cornea or embedding the eyelash deeper. Calmly follow these steps for safe eyelash removal:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or eye.
- Try blinking repeatedly to naturally flush the eyelash with tears.
- Do not rub your eyes—this may push the lash further in or cause injury.
- Examine your eye in a well-lit area using a mirror. Gently pull down your lower eyelid or lift your upper eyelid to get a better view.
- If the eyelash is visible, use a sterile cotton swab or a clean tissue to gently touch the edge of the lash. Avoid using tweezers, which may injure your eye.
- Flush your eye using sterile saline solution, artificial tears, or lukewarm water. Tilt your head back, pour from the inner corner outward, and let gravity help dislodge the lash.
- Repeat flushing if the eyelash doesn’t come out immediately—but don’t persist to the point of discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Help
- You cannot locate or remove the eyelash after several attempts.
- You experience intense or persistent pain, redness, swelling, or changes in vision.
- You suspect the presence of other debris, or there’s bleeding or signs of infection.
- A scratch to the cornea (corneal abrasion) is suspected—symptoms include severe sensitivity to light, ongoing pain, and blurry vision.
What others are reading
Why Eyelashes Are Important
Eyelashes act as protective barriers, keeping foreign particles out of the delicate eye surface. They are composed predominantly of keratin—a robust protein—and each eyelash emerges from a well-defined follicle. The arrangement, density, and length of eyelashes are designed to funnel airflow, repel moisture, and defend against external irritants.
| Eyelash Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Protection | Blocks dust and debris from entering the eye |
| Moisture Repellent | Channels sweat and rain away from the eyeball |
| Sensory | Triggers blinking reflex if touched |
Complications from a Trapped Eyelash
Most eyelash incidents are minor, but rarely, significant complications can arise:
- Corneal abrasion: A sharp eyelash or excessive rubbing can scratch the cornea, leading to pain and possible infection.
- Infection: Bacterial transfer to the eye, especially with dirty hands or foreign objects, may result in conjunctivitis (pink eye) or more serious infections.
- Persistent discomfort: If you are unable to remove the lash, ongoing irritation may affect work, sleep, and general comfort.
If treated promptly, complications are rare.
How to Prevent Eyelashes from Getting in Your Eye
While it’s impossible to entirely prevent eyelash loss, these strategies help minimize stray lashes:
- Be gentle with your eyelashes—avoid excessive rubbing, harsh makeup removal, or pulling on lashes.
- Use high-quality, non-irritating cosmetic products and remove makeup carefully with gentle cleansers.
- Consider eyelash conditioners or medical treatments if shedding is excessive or associated with other symptoms.
- Monitor for crusts, redness, or debris among your lashes—these may signal infestation, inflammation, or disease.
- If you wear contact lenses, take care during insertion and removal to avoid disturbing eyelashes.
Lash Hygiene Tips
- Clean your eyelids regularly using mild cleansers.
- Replace eye makeup products every three months to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Remove all traces of makeup before going to bed.
- Avoid sharing cosmetics or applicators.
What Causes Frequent Eyelash Loss?
Frequent eyelash fallout can have various causes:
- Eye disease: Blepharitis, trichotillomania, or skin conditions like eczema can increase shedding.
- Medical treatments: Chemotherapy, radiation, or the use of prostaglandin analogs for glaucoma impact eyelash health and growth.
- Infestation: Demodex mites live on eyelashes and increase with age, sometimes causing irritation and loss.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Contact an eye care professional if:
- Symptoms persist after removing a trapped eyelash—particularly pain, redness, swelling, or visual changes.
- You experience excessive lash loss or other signs of an eye disease.
- There are signs of infection such as discharge, crusting, or swelling of the lids.
- Your eye feels scratched, or you’re struggling to remove the eyelash after multiple attempts.
Safe Eyelash Removal Techniques
Follow these expert-recommended practices for eyelash removal:
- Use clean hands, sterile saline, and never any sharp instruments.
- Flush the eye from the inner corner outward—never inward, as this may push debris deeper.
- If a companion helps, ensure they do not touch your eye directly and use only a clean cotton swab or tissue.
- Contact lens wearers should remove contacts before beginning removal.
If the eyelash cannot be removed or there are complications, seek professional advice promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if I can’t get a stuck eyelash out?
If flushing and gentle removal don’t work, stop attempting on your own. Continued irritation or the sensation of scratching warrants an exam by an eye doctor.
Is it dangerous to have an eyelash stuck in the eye?
Most cases are harmless, but prolonged contact or attempts with fingers/tweezers can cause injury or infection. Seek medical attention if discomfort continues.
Do eyelashes grow back after falling out?
Yes. Eyelashes continuously regrow according to their natural cycle, unless the follicle is damaged by trauma or disease.
Why do some people lose eyelashes more often?
Frequent lash loss can result from medical conditions (blepharitis, trichotillomania), age, medication, or eyelid infestations like Demodex mites.
Can I use eye drops to remove a lash?
Yes—lubricating drops or sterile saline can help wash out a loose eyelash. Avoid medicated drops unless directed by a physician.
Key Takeaways
- Eyelashes protect your eyes but can occasionally fall in, causing discomfort.
- Avoid rubbing and use safe removal techniques to prevent complications.
- Frequent or persistent lash loss, with symptoms, calls for medical evaluation.
- Lash hygiene and gentle handling keep eyelashes healthy and reduce discomfort.
- Consult an eye care professional for ongoing irritation or vision changes.
References
- https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/legacy/healthnews/2010/03/uc-health-line–longer-eyelashes-possible-with-new-medical-treatment.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537278/
- https://www.revitalash.com/blogs/lash/complete-guide-to-understanding-your-eyelash-growth-cycle
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537100/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/eyelash-extension-side-effects
- https://www.healthline.com/health/video/how-long-does-it-take-for-eyelashes-to-grow-back
- https://drshonah.ca/what-are-side-effects-of-eyelash-extensions/
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321849
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