You may need to investigate what’s in your eye and where it’s located, but only do this once you’re inside a well-lit bathroom with a mirror. If you wear contact lenses, take them out right away. Switch to glasses for the rest to the day to avoid irritating your eye further. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Look downwards while you’re blinking to help the tears and sand run out of your eyes.
You can also flush out your eye while standing in a shower if that’s more convenient. If you’re at work, you may have access to an eyewash station that’s designed to flush particles out of your eyes. If you’re helping a child with sand in their eye, tilt their head over a basin or sink with the affected eye closer to the sink. Ask them to open their eyes as wide as possible, and pull down their lower eyelid with your hand while you rinse their eye. If they are a very small child or an infant, ask another person to help hold their eye open while you rinse it, if possible. [7] X Research source
This step may only be possible if you already use, and therefore have, eye drops of some kind. Only try this step with non-prescription eye drops. If you have prescription eye drops, there may be negative side effects if you use too much at one time.
Do not attempt to remove an embedded object from your eye. Seek medical attention for such an issue immediately. [13] X Expert Source Luxme Hariharan, MD, MPHBoard Certified Ophthalmologist Expert Interview. 17 August 2021. A piece of sand in your eye can sometimes scratch the surface of your cornea, which may lead to an infection. [14] X Research source For this reason, it’s important to see an eye doctor for an evaluation if your eye doesn’t start to feel better soon after you flush it.
Also make sure you have short nails when examining your eyes, as long nails may scratch your eyes. If your nails are too long to examine your eyes, ask someone to help you.
A make-up mirror would work perfectly in these circumstances as it would have a light and be able to magnify your eyes.
Keep in mind that while it may feel like you have sand in your eyes, it could actually be another object such as an eyelash or sawdust.
By simply exposing the sand or other objects by pulling up or down your eyelid, you may dislodge the item.
If the sand or object is on your eyelid, you may be able to use a quick sweeping motion with the cotton swab to remove it.
Do not attempt to treat your eyes without the advice of your doctor. If you wear contact lenses, do not wear them during this time.
Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter eye drop or ointment to help lubricate your eyes or they may prescribe an antibiotic eye drop or ointment.
If you were already using some kind of eye drops, make sure to confirm with your doctor that you can continue using them while your eyes heal. Wear your sunglasses more often if your eyes are sensitive to light.
