A grain of dust, sand, or other small particle in the eye often feels much worse than it is. The first step is usually to let the eye tear and to rinse it gently. Most small irritants are moved out that way.
What to do right away#
Do not rub the eye. That can scratch the surface and make the problem worse. Wash your hands first, then rinse the eye with clean water or saline if available. Blinking several times while rinsing often helps.
If the particle is under the lid, a careful rinse may still be enough. The eye should not be prodded or scraped.
What not to do#
Do not try to remove something with a fingernail, cotton bud, or any sharp object. Do not keep rubbing the eye even if it feels as if something is still there. If the eye has been scratched, rubbing increases the irritation.
After rinsing#
If the eye settles after rinsing, that is a good sign. Mild watering or a scratched feeling can still last for a short time, but it should gradually improve.
If contact lenses are used, they should not be put back in until the eye feels normal and the cause is clear.
Chemical exposure is different#
If the eye was exposed to a chemical, the situation is more urgent than a simple speck of dust. The eye should be rinsed for a long time right away and assessed after that, because the goal is to reduce further damage quickly.
When to seek care#
Seek care if pain is strong, vision is blurred, the eye stays very red, light hurts a lot, the foreign body cannot be removed, or the feeling that something is in the eye does not settle after rinsing. Chemical exposure, cuts, or eye injury also need prompt attention.
Further reading and sources#
Further reading: