How To Get An Eyelash Out Of A Baby’s Eye

Being a parent is tough, and it can seem overwhelming when your little one has an eyelash or a foreign object stuck in their eye. Fortunately, it’s not as scary as you might think if you know the right approach. 

In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about how to get an eyelash out of a baby’s eye safely and effectively. It also discusses what precautions to take beforehand and the risk factors of having something stuck in a baby’s eye for too long. With the tips in this blog post, your child will be back on track to a happy and healthy sight in no time.

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How long can an eyelash stay in your eye?

While it might be uncomfortable, a foreign object like an eyelash typically won’t stay in your baby’s eye for more than a day or two. The eye’s natural defense mechanisms, including tears and blinking, work to flush out foreign materials. 

However, if the object causes significant discomfort or remains lodged in the eye beyond this time, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to prevent potential harm to the baby’s eye.

Can an eyelash go behind the eye?

No, an eyelash can’t go behind the eye. The eye has a natural barrier known as the conjunctiva that covers and protects the eye’s surface. It is doubtful for an eyelash or any foreign object to pass through this barrier and enter the space behind the eye. 

How to Get an Eyelash Out of a Baby’s Eye?

The baby’s eyes are delicate and sensitive. Eyelashes serve as a protective barrier against foreign particles such as dust and dirt. Newborn babies and infants aged 0 to 3 months do not produce tears yet, making removing hair or eyelashes challenging for parents. 

Therefore, it is crucial to handle this situation with utmost care. Can an eyelash cause harm to a baby’s eye? When an eyelash gets into their eye, babies often experience discomfort and panic. Parents should remain patient and handle their children delicately during such episodes. Let’s explore the gentle and effective method I have tried to remove stray lashes from my baby’s eye.

Best way to get eyelash out of eye (Step-by-step guide)

1. Wash Your Hands: The first step is to ensure your hands are thoroughly cleaned. It is to prevent any possible infection that dirty hands could cause.
2. Use a Soft Cloth: Get a soft, clean cloth and dampen it with warm water. Gently wipe the cloth across the baby’s eye, from the inside corner to the outside corner.
3. Use Saline Solution: If the eyelash is stuck in the corner, use a saline solution. Dip a cotton swab into the solution and gently dab it on the corner of the eye. The eyelash should stick to the wet swab and come out quickly.
4. Let the Tears Flow: If the baby is old enough to produce tears, let them cry for a while. Tears can naturally flush out the foreign object.
5. Seek Professional Help: If all else fails, or if the baby seems to be in pain, it is advised to seek help from a healthcare professional immediately.

Tip: Never try to use tweezers or any sharp objects to remove eyelashes from a baby’s eye. It can cause more harm than good. The baby’s comfort and safety should always be your top priority.

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Additional Methods: How to get an eyelash out of an eye?

Parents can also try these simple methods to remove an eyelash stuck in eye of your little one: 

Use a Clean Corner of a Cloth or Tissue

If the eyelash is visible, you can wrap a clean corner of a soft cloth or tissue around your finger and gently touch the eyelash to coax it out.

Flush with Breastmilk

If the baby is still breastfeeding, a few drops of breastmilk can help flush the eyelash out. This should be done with extreme care to avoid causing any discomfort.

Blinking Exercise

Encourage your baby to blink. If they are old enough, you can teach them to blink rapidly. Blinking can help to move the eyelashes out of the eye.

Use Sterile Eyedrops 

Sterile eyedrops, suitable for babies, can help to rinse the eye and carry the eyelashes out. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use with caution.

Distraction 

Sometimes, a good distraction can help the baby to stop rubbing their eye. This can prevent further irritation and allow the natural tear-production process to remove the eyelash. As always, it’s essential to be gentle with your baby’s eyes.

Precautions When Removing an Eyelash from a Baby’s Eye

Exercising caution is crucial when dealing with a baby’s delicate eyes. Here are some precautionary measures to bear in mind:

1. Never use force: Always be gentle and patient. Applying pressure can result in injury to the child’s eye.
2. Avoid sharp objects: Never use tweezers or similar pointed objects to remove the eyelash. You could inadvertently scratch the eye, causing severe damage.
3. Avoid direct contact with the eyeball: Try to remove the eyelash without touching the actual eyeball. Direct contact with the eyeball can cause discomfort or injury.
4. Hygiene is paramount: Always wash your hands thoroughly before removing the eyelash. This helps prevent the transfer of germs that could cause an infection.
5. Do not use adult eye drops. Only use eye drops specifically designed for babies. Adult eye drops may contain chemicals that are too harsh for a baby’s sensitive eyes.
6. Monitor the baby’s reaction: If the baby seems distressed or in pain, stop what you’re doing and seek doctors’s help immediately.
7. Avoid unnecessary touch: If the eyelash doesn’t cause irritation and it’s not obstructing vision, it is best to leave it alone. It will likely come out on its own with time.

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Conclusion: How to get an eyelash out of a baby’s eye?

While an eyelash in a baby’s eye may seem like a minor issue, it’s essential to handle the situation carefully and take necessary precautions. So, how to get eyelash out of eye, with patience and gentle techniques, the eyelash should be successfully removed, and the baby’s eye will be back to normal in no time. 

Remember, if you are unsure or the irritation persists, it’s always best to seek professional help for your baby’s delicate eyes. So don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance when needed. Keep your baby’s eyes healthy and happy by keeping them free of foreign objects.

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