What to Do If You Get Sand in Your Eyes
Getting sand in your eyes can be an irritating and painful experience. While it is often a minor issue that can be resolved at home, it’s crucial to know the proper steps to take to alleviate discomfort and prevent further damage. Understanding when to seek medical attention is also essential to ensure your eye health is not compromised.
Immediate Steps to take.
- Do Not Rub Your Eyes: The first instinct might be to rub your eyes to remove the sand. However, this can cause more harm than good. Rubbing can scratch the cornea, leading to more significant irritation and potential injury.
- Rinse with Clean Water: Use clean, lukewarm water to flush out the sand. You can use a sink, a cup, or a specially designed eye wash cup. Tilt your head and pour the water from the inner corner of your eye outward to avoid washing particles into the other eye.
- Use Sterile Saline Solution: If available, a sterile saline solution is ideal for rinsing your eyes. It is gentle and designed specifically for eye use. Hold your eye open and flush it thoroughly with the solution.
- Check for Remaining Particles: After rinsing, check to see if there are any remaining particles in your eye. You can use a clean, damp cloth or a cotton swab to gently remove any visible sand from the corner of your eye or eyelid.
- Avoid Wearing Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before attempting to rinse your eyes. Wearing lenses while your eyes are irritated can trap debris and material.
- It’s Ok to Blink: Blinking helps produce tears that can wash away the sand particles naturally. This is a gentle and effective way to start the process of removing the irritant.
Once the sand is removed, your eyes may still feel irritated. Here are some additional steps to help soothe your eyes:
- Apply a Cold Compress: A cold compress can reduce swelling and provide relief. Wrap ice in a clean cloth and place it gently over your closed eyes for a few minutes.
- Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can help lubricate and soothe your eyes, reducing redness and discomfort. It is best to use preservative free tears.
While most cases of sand in the eyes can be managed at home, certain situations require more attention. Seek our help if you experience any of the following;
- Persistent Pain or Discomfort: If pain or discomfort persists after you’ve rinsed your eyes thoroughly, it could indicate that sand particles are still present or that you have sustained an injury.
- Blurred Vision: Any changes in vision, such as blurriness or difficulty focusing, warrant immediate medical evaluation to rule out serious damage.
- Sensitivity to Light: If your eyes become highly sensitive to light, it could be a sign of corneal abrasion or other eye injury that needs treatment.
- Redness and Swelling: Severe or prolonged redness and swelling can indicate infection or inflammation, requiring medical intervention.
- Discharge: Any discharge from the eye, especially if it is yellow or green, is a sign of infection and should be addressed immediately
- Foreign Object Embedded: If you suspect that a piece of sand or another foreign object is embedded in your eye, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Seek immediate medical assistance to prevent further damage.
All of that said, never feel embarrassed to come in and see us. We will check your eyes at a moments notice. Even for the reassurance that everything is ok.