Eyelash in Eye: How to Remove It, Complications, and Prevention

Learn what to do if you get an eyelash in your eye, how to safely remove it, and when to seek medical attention.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 27, 2025

Learn what to do if you get an eyelash in your eye, how to safely remove it, and when to seek medical attention.

It’s a common annoyance: one moment your eyes are fine, and the next, you’re blinking in discomfort, sure an eyelash has gone rogue. But what really happens when an eyelash gets into your eye? This comprehensive guide explains why eyelashes fall into the eye, the safest ways to remove them, possible complications, prevention strategies, and when it’s necessary to seek medical care.

Why Do Eyelashes End Up in the Eye?

Eyelashes play a crucial role in protecting the eyes by catching debris, dust, and small particles before they can reach the sensitive surface of the eye. However, their natural shedding process or external factors can cause them to fall into the eye itself.

Natural Shedding: Eyelashes follow a growth cycle—growing, resting, then naturally falling out. It’s normal to lose a few lashes each day.
Rubbing the Eyes: Touching or rubbing your eyes can dislodge eyelashes or move them from the eyelid into the ocular surface.
Makeup and Eye Products: Application or removal of mascara, eyeliner, or false lashes can contribute to lashes breaking or detaching.
Environmental Factors: Wind and debris can sometimes push a loose eyelash into the eye.

Recognizing Symptoms: How Can You Tell if an Eyelash Is in Your Eye?

Getting an eyelash in your eye typically causes immediate irritation, with symptoms varying based on the eyelash’s position and whether it scratches the eye surface. Common symptoms include:

Sensation of something foreign in the eye
Watery or teary eyes
Redness or mild inflammation
Stinging or burning feeling
Increased blinking or trouble keeping the eye open
Blurry vision (rare, but possible if the eyelash is large or shifts under the eyelid)

Most often, these symptoms resolve quickly once the eyelash is removed. Prolonged discomfort can signal the eyelash is trapped or has caused a scratch.

Are Eyelashes Dangerous in the Eye?

In most cases, a stray eyelash is not a serious hazard. The eye’s natural defenses—including blinking and tear production—often wash foreign bodies away efficiently. However, complications may occur if:

The eyelash scratches the cornea (“corneal abrasion”), causing lasting pain, redness, or sensitivity to light.
Irritation causes a localized infection (rare).
The eyelash is deeply embedded and not easily removed.

Most foreign bodies, including eyelashes, are cleared without damage. See the section below for when to call a doctor.

How to Safely Remove an Eyelash from Your Eye

If you feel an eyelash in your eye, it’s important to stay calm. Do not rub your eye; this can push the eyelash deeper and increase the risk of scratches. Follow these steps for safe removal:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria to the eye.
Inspect the eye by gently pulling the upper and lower eyelids away and looking in a mirror for the lash.
Blink repeatedly to encourage your body’s natural tear production. Tears can often flush out a loose eyelash.
If the eyelash is visible and on the white part of the eye, use a sterile saline rinse (eyewash) or artificial tears to wash it away. Tilt your head and pour the solution from the inner to the outer corner of the eye.
If the eyelash is on the lower lid or in a reachable area, you can gently remove it using a clean, damp cotton swab or tissue. Never use tweezers or sharp objects.

If the eyelash is stuck under the upper eyelid, you can try this:

Pull the upper eyelid down over the lower lid and blink a few times. The lashes may move the trapped eyelash toward the center of the eye where it’s easier to remove or flush out.

When to Avoid Home Removal

You have trouble keeping your eye open due to severe pain, or light causes significant discomfort.
Vision is affected or blurry after rinsing.
There’s active bleeding, or you suspect a deeper or embedded object.
Removal attempts fail, and irritation persists for more than a few hours.

When to See a Doctor

Most eyelashes that get into the eye are harmless and can be removed at home. However, consult an eye care professional if:

You can’t remove the eyelash after a few tries, and symptoms persist.
You notice persistent pain, redness, swelling, or any changes in vision.
There is sudden sensitivity to light, discharge, or signs of infection.
The eye becomes increasingly red or swollen, or if light seems uncomfortably bright.
You suspect there’s been injury from a sharp object, or if the eyelash was accompanied by other debris or chemicals.

An ophthalmologist or optometrist can safely remove foreign bodies and check for injury or infection.

Potential Complications of an Eyelash in the Eye

Complications from a stray eyelash are rare, but they can include:

Corneal abrasion: If the eyelash scratches the cornea, symptoms may include pain, persistent redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
Infection: Rarely, prolonged irritation may lead to conjunctivitis (pink eye) or keratitis (corneal infection).
Chronic irritation: If eyelashes routinely fall into the eye due to trichiasis (misdirected growth), ongoing irritation or injury can result.

If you experience prolonged discomfort, discharge, or vision changes, it is essential to seek professional medical help.

Preventive Tips: How to Stop Eyelashes from Getting in Your Eye

Avoid rubbing your eyes to minimize dislodging eyelashes.
Remove eye makeup gently and thoroughly each night to prevent lash breakage.
Be cautious with eyelash curlers and extensions, as improper use increases the risk of lash loss.
Keep eyelids clean with a gentle cleanser or sterile wipes, especially if prone to oily lids or blepharitis.
Schedule eye exams if you have frequent lash loss or irritation, as underlying issues (like trichiasis or blepharitis) may need treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can an eyelash in the eye cause blindness?

No, an eyelash alone will not cause blindness. Serious vision loss is extremely unlikely unless the eyelash causes a severe corneal scratch and leads to infection, which is rare. Prompt, proper care prevents complications.

What if the eyelash won’t come out?

If an eyelash remains stuck despite several attempts at removal, or if symptoms worsen, consult a doctor. Eye care professionals have special tools and expertise to remove stubborn foreign bodies safely.

Do eyelashes grow back after falling out?

Yes. Each lash has a natural growth cycle and will regrow over several weeks. Overly vigorous rubbing or frequent lash loss, however, can cause thinning, so gentle handling is essential.

Can I use eye drops to remove an eyelash?

Yes, plain saline eye drops or artificial tears can often help flush a stray eyelash out. Avoid medicated drops unless recommended by a healthcare provider.

What happens if a child gets an eyelash in their eye?

Follow similar removal steps, making sure to keep the child calm. If you can’t remove the eyelash quickly or the child is in distress, seek medical help to prevent injury.

Causes of Frequent Eyelash Loss

If you notice eyelashes often falling into your eye, it could be due to:

Normal aging
Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
Trichiasis (misdirected growth)
Lash extensions or frequent use of curlers
Certain skin or autoimmune conditions

Persistent or accelerated lash loss may warrant a medical evaluation to rule out underlying causes.

When to Suspect an Eye Infection

Watch for these symptoms that could signal an infection after an eyelash incident:

Yellow or green discharge from the eye
Painful, red, or swollen eyelid
Vision changes or difficulty moving the eye
Increasing sensitivity to light
Eye appears hazy or cloudy

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical for infections to prevent vision loss.

Pro Tips for Healthy Eyelashes and Eye Safety

Maintain eyelid hygiene: Regular gentle cleaning removes oil and debris that could clog follicles or irritate the eye.
Nourish with a healthy diet: Lashes, like all hair, benefit from a protein-rich, well-balanced diet with vitamins such as biotin and vitamin E.
Limit harsh treatments: Minimize use of lash curlers, waterproof mascara, and false eyelashes that may weaken natural lashes.
Avoid sharing eye makeup or tools: This lowers risk of infections and skin problems around the eyes.

Summary Table: What to Do if You Get an Eyelash in Your Eye

Step	Action	Key Points
1	Stop rubbing your eyes	Prevents further irritation or embedding
2	Wash your hands	Reduces infection risk
3	Blink or use saline drops	Natural tears or drops can flush out
4	Use cotton swab/tissue (if visible)	Only if lash is easily accessible
5	See a doctor if still stuck, pain, or vision changes	Don’t delay professional care for prolonged symptoms

Resources for Eye Safety

Artificial tears (for flushing)
Sterile saline eye rinse
Mirror, bright direct light
Clean hands and hygiene supplies

Key Takeaways

An eyelash in the eye is uncomfortable but rarely dangerous.
Do not rub your eye. Use natural tears, saline, and clean tools for safe removal.
Seek professional help for severe, persistent, or worsening symptoms.
Maintain lash and eyelid hygiene to reduce risk of recurrent problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can an eyelash stuck in my eye cause permanent damage?

Serious damage is very rare. Prompt removal and avoiding rubbing usually prevent complications.

Is it safe to use tweezers or sharp tools?

No. Home use of sharp objects increases injury risk. Stick to gentle methods or see a healthcare provider.

Can Vaseline or other home remedies help if lashes fall in my eyes often?

No evidence supports using Vaseline inside the eye — it should never be applied to the eye surface. Focus on strengthening lashes through good nutrition and gentle care instead.

Are some people more likely to lose eyelashes into their eye?

Yes, those with blepharitis, trichiasis, or dry/sensitive eyes, as well as contact lens wearers and people frequently using lash enhancements, may notice this more often.

What if a child or infant has a lash in their eye?

Try gentle flushing or blinking methods. If unsuccessful or if the child is highly distressed, see a pediatric eye specialist promptly.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete