How to Properly Remove Dirt From Your Eye

We’ve all experienced that burning sensation that comes with dirt or dust getting into your eye. And although your initial instinct is to rub your eye to get the dirt out of it, this could potentially scratch your cornea or cause bacteria to spread throughout. By either flushing your eye out with water or using a clean washcloth remove it, this article will discuss a few of the ways that you can remove dirt from your eye without damaging it in the process. Read on to learn more.

Flush It
Flushing your eye out with water might seem like the last ting you want to do, but it’s quite easy. There are two ways that you can flush out your eye including using a dropper or your hands.

Method 1: The Dropper
Eyedroppers aren’t just used for science experiments. When using an eyedropper to flush out your eye, fill it halfway full with lukewarm water— testing it beforehand to make sure the temperature is okay. Then, with a clean hand, hold your eye open and drop the water in it. The water will push the dirt out of your eye. If it doesn’t work at first, keep on trying until you feel some relief.

Method 2: Your Hands
If you don’t have an eyedropper, you can easily use your hands to flush your eyes out. The most important part of using your hands is to make sure they are clean. To use your hands, make a cup with them and fill them with lukewarm water. Once filled, rest your eye in the water and blink— this willpush the dirt out of your eyes.

Washcloth
Another way that you can get the dirt out of your eyes is to use a warm, clean washcloth. Take a clean washcloth and dampen it with warm water. Once it is damp, rest it over your eye(s). The combination of the warmth and the dampness will work to push the dirt out of your eyes and help you to feel better.

Nothing is quite as irritating as having something caught in your eye, but by using your fingers, you can easily scratch your cornea. The next time you get something in your eye, use the tips listed above. To learn more, contact Millennium Park Eye Center.