It’s not uncommon for something to fly into your eye—be it a gnat, dirt, pollen, or even an eyelash. When this happens, it can cause irritation, redness, and excessive tearing. Fortunately, there are several safe and effective natural remedies to help flush out foreign objects and soothe the eye without harsh chemicals.
Symptoms of a Foreign Object in the Eye
- Watery eyes
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Feeling like something is stuck in the eye
Important First Step: Don’t Rub Your Eye
Rubbing your eye can scratch the cornea and worsen irritation or cause injury. Instead, try the following natural methods to flush the object out gently.
1. Distilled Water Eye Rinse
Using a sterile eye cup or dropper, flush the eye with lukewarm distilled water or sterile saline solution. Tilt your head sideways over a sink and pour the water from the inner corner to the outer edge to avoid pushing debris deeper.
Tip: Keep a clean, soft cloth or tissue handy to gently dab away excess water.
2. Saline Solution Rinse
If you have pre-packaged sterile saline eye drops or a saline rinse used for contact lenses, these can safely flush the eye. They help remove small particles and soothe irritation.
Use as directed by tilting the head back or to the side and applying 1–3 drops at a time.
3. Chamomile Tea Rinse
Chamomile has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can calm the eye. To make a gentle rinse:
- Brew organic chamomile tea and let it cool completely
- Strain thoroughly with a clean coffee filter to remove particles
- Use an eyedropper or sterile cup to rinse the eye
Never use unfiltered or hot tea in the eye.
4. Boric Acid Eye Wash
Boric acid, when properly diluted, has been used historically as a mild antiseptic eye wash. Use a pre-mixed boric acid eyewash solution (available at drugstores), or prepare your own with care:
- Mix 1/8 teaspoon pharmaceutical-grade boric acid powder in 1 cup of boiled and cooled distilled water
- Use once cooled and fully dissolved
- Flush using an eye cup or dropper
Note: This is for short-term use only. Discontinue if irritation worsens.
5. Eyebright (Euphrasia) Drops
Eyebright is a traditional herbal remedy for eye irritation. Look for homeopathic or herbal eyebright drops labeled for eye use. These can relieve redness and support natural healing after a foreign object is removed.
6. Blinking and Artificial Tears
Blinking rapidly can help move small particles to the corner of the eye where they can be more easily removed. Use natural, preservative-free artificial tears to lubricate the eye and help flush out minor debris.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- The object does not come out after rinsing
- You experience significant pain or vision changes
- There is bleeding or signs of infection
- You suspect the object is embedded or sharp (like metal or glass)
In these cases, consult an eye doctor or visit urgent care promptly.
Tips for Prevention
- Wear protective eyewear when gardening, biking, or doing outdoor work
- Use sunglasses to shield your eyes from flying insects or particles
- Wash hands before touching your eyes
Keeping your eyes protected and clean reduces the chances of irritation and infection.
Keep reading below to see which natural remedies have helped our readers find relief from chronic cough, and share your own experiences!
