Something in your eye? Here is what you need to do

When a foreign object enters your eye, you will know right away. Whether it is an eyelash, dust particle, or tiny piece of sand, chances are it will feel so bothersome that you won't be able to focus on anything else until it is removed. The next time this happens, here is what you should (and should not) do.

Be gentle: When a foreign object enters your eye, your first instinct will be to rub it. Gently try to dislodge it is fine if you are extremely careful. Wash your hands with soap and water first. If you rub roughly, you could end up with a painful corneal abrasion. You also should not try to remove a larger object from the eye, anything that appears to be embedded, or anything that has rough edges—if this is the case, go to the doctor immediately.

Irrigate with water: Splashing the object away with clean water typically does the trick for most particles in the eye. Irrigate the eye with water at the sink. Or an eye dropper filled with clean water can also help with this.

See a doctor: The biggest mistake people make is simply ignoring the foreign object for days. If you can still feel it and you cannot get it out, you probably need to see a doctor. The longer a particle remains in the eye, the greater the risk it could scratch the cornea or become infected. You should also go to the doctor immediately if you are experiencing pain or redness in your eye after removing the foreign object by irrigation.

Protect your eyes: Investing in comfortable eyewear can help prevent this issue from happening again in the future. When you are outside in the summer, wear sunglasses. And if you work in an environment where flying particles are common, such as landscaping or mechanics, it is a good idea to wear safety goggles.