How To Safely Remove An Eyelash In Your Eye
According to a 2015 study published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, eyelashes are thought to serve as protection for the eyes by trapping dust and other small particles before they can enter the eye. They also play a role in sensing and responding to environmental changes, such as wind or bright light, per a 2022 article published by the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Despite the protective mechanisms of eyelashes, they can also be a menace if a stray happens to land in your eye. According to Healthline, certain medical conditions can cause eyelashes to get into the eyes. However, rubbing your eyes or applying makeup are other risk factors.
In any case, it is important to remove the eyelash safely. It is also important to note that if the eyelash is still in your eye after trying to remove it or if it is still irritated, it is best to consult an eye doctor. They can safely remove the eyelash and check for any other potential issues. Also, if you have a pre-existing eye condition, it is best to be extra cautious and consult your eye doctor before removing the eyelash.
Tips to remove an eyelash in the eye
If you have an eyelash in your eye, it is vital to remove it safely to prevent irritation or injury to the eye. Before you begin, try not to rub your eyes as this can cause further irritation or a condition known as corneal abrasion (via Family Doctor). It might also push the eyelash deeper into the eye.
Start by blinking a few times to lubricate the eyes. This might help wash the eyelash out of the eyes. If this method fails, Healthline advises doing circle movements with your eyes to guide the eyelash towards the center of the eyes. If the eyelash is still in your eye after trying the above steps, you can use a clean cotton swab to gently try and remove the eyelash. If the eyelash is stuck deep in your eye and cannot be removed by other methods, flush your eye with water or use an eye irrigation saline solution to remove it.
Medical conditions that affect the eyelashes
Several medical conditions might be at play if eyelashes keep getting into your eyes. Blepharitis, for example, can cause eyelashes to fall out, which may end up in your eyes. The condition results in inflammation of the eyelids caused by bacteria, dandruff, or other irritants (via the Mayo Clinic). According to the clinic, one of the symptoms of blepharitis can be eyelash loss or falling out.
An ingrown eyelash, also known as trichiasis, might also cause eyelashes to fall into the eyes. You might have the condition if your eyelashes grow back into the skin of your eyelid rather than growing straight out. This can cause irritation and inflammation of the eyelid, as well as pain and discomfort. If you suspect you have an ingrown eyelash, it is important to seek medical attention to treat the condition and avoid any potential complications.
It's also important to note that eyelash loss can also be caused by external factors such as eyelash extensions which can rip out the natural lashes, per Medical News Today. Consult an eye doctor or a dermatologist to confirm the cause and get proper treatment if you're experiencing eyelash loss.