How To Get An Eyelash Out Of A Newborn’s Eye?

Last Updated on March 14, 2023

If you have a newborn at home, finding an eyelash in their eye can be concerning. And as a parent, you might end up stressing out over it as the eyes are a sensitive organ.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to safely and gently remove the eyelash from your baby’s eye.

In this article, we’ll discuss some easy methods for getting an eyelash out of a newborn’s eye. So keep reading if you are a concerned parent who wants to help their newborn with getting their eyelashes out!

How to get an eyelash out of a newborn’s eye?

Getting substances like eyelashes out of a newborn’s eye might be a tough thing to do. To remove a particle from the eye, one must remain very cautious as the eyes are delicate and should be dealt with carefully.

Here are some ways to get an eyelash out of a newborn’s eye:

1. Use Q-tip

Use moisten a cotton swab or corner of a wet cloth to get the eyelash or particle out of your baby’s eye.

2. Let the water flow delicately

If unsuccessful, try placing your baby’s face beneath gently running water, such as in the shower or faucet. Make sure the baby’s eyes are open while doing this.

You can gently hold the eyelids to keep the eye open. This should easily flush away any foreign substances lingering on and around the eyes.

3. Allow the baby to open and close the eyes for a few times

If the particle is in the upper or lower lid and you can’t see it clearly, let the newborn open and close the eye several times. It will help the particle move to the corner of the eye, making it easier for you to remove it.

If it’s still not visible, try gently lifting the upper lid and looking into the corner. The particle may have moved there.

4. Babies crying also helps

Sometimes, when the baby cries, the particle may be washed away by tears.

5. Consult your health care provider

If these methods do not work, consult your pediatrician, who can remove it gently and safely with special instruments or eye drops.

However, if there is any mild redness or irritation around the eyes after the removal of the eyelash, contact a doctor immediately.

Watch the video on removing an eyelash stuck in the eye by Dr. Sunita Rana Agarwal

What experts suggest getting an eyelash out of a newborn’s eye?

Experts suggest the safest way to remove an eyelash from a newborn’s eye is by using a moistened cotton swab. If that doesn’t work, try washing it with lukewarm water. If you can’t successfully remove the eyelash, visit your pediatrician as soon as possible.

The eyes are delicate organs and must be treated with caution and care. So make sure to use these methods only when necessary and never unnecessarily rub or graft the eye.

“Never attempt to remove an object from your baby’s eye with force. This could cause more harm than good.” says Dr. Steph Lee, MD, MPH, FAAP, a general pediatrician specializing in preventive medicine and public health and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

So always make sure to take extra precautions when it comes to dealing with any foreign objects in or around the eyes.

“Never rub or scratch the eye to remove the eyelash as it can cause serious damage.” says Dr. Rachel Brown, an Optometrist at Pediatric Eye Specialists. “If you are unable to get the eyelash out with these methods then consult your health care provider.”

Precautions on How to get an eyelash out of a baby eye

As a parent, you must take some precautions while dealing with eyelashes stuck in your baby’s eyes to avoid/prevent infections and diseases.

Here are some precautions you must take:

1. Never use sharp objects like tweezers or nails to get the lash out.
   
2. Make sure that the water is neither too cold nor too cold.
   
3. Do not forget to wash your hands beforehand.
   
4. Always use a Q-tip that is damp and clean.
   
5. Make sure not to let the child use dirty hands to rub their eyes, or do not let them rub their eyes too frequently.
   
6. Avoid using your hands if you have long fingernails, as they can scratch the eyes.
   
7. Make sure the washcloth is clean.
   
8. If you are having too much difficulty, leave it to the professionals.
   

Also read: How to encourage babbling

What not to do: 

There definitely are dos and don’t while taking out an eyelash from a newborn’s eye. So, here are some things you must not do while dealing with a lash stuck in a newborn’s eye:

– Do not try to touch the eyelash with your fingers or fingernails, as it can cause scratches and infections.

– As mentioned above, don’t use sharp objects like tweezers to remove the lash. This can result in lacerations in the eye that may require medical attention.

– Do not apply too much pressure while trying to take the eyelash out, as it can be painful to the baby and may damage the eye.

– Do not use a cotton swab that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol or any other potentially irritating substance.

– Do not worry if you cannot remove the eyelash within a few minutes. If it is still present after all your efforts, seek medical attention from a doctor as soon as possible.

– Do not leave the eyelash in the eye for too long. If left in for an extended period of time, it can cause further irritation or even infection.

Also read: Can you put oatmeal in baby bottle

FAQs

Wrapping up:

Thanks for reading this article! We hope that it has been helpful to you and given you some new ideas on how to remove an eyelash from a newborn’s eye.

However, it can be tricky and requires careful attention. To ensure the safety of the baby, you should avoid using sharp objects and never attempt to do so without proper guidance or medical assistance.

Seek help from a doctor if necessary, or opt for ampoules of sterile saline as an alternative to flush out the eye.

Always remember not to leave the eyelash in the eye longer than necessary, and always be mindful of any potential allergens or irritants that could cause further infection.

Following these simple steps will help ensure your baby’s safety when removing an eyelash from their eyes. You can quickly and safely remove an eyelash from your newborn’s eyes with proper care.

Please share this article with other parents. By doing so, you can help them get rid of the eyelash from their baby’s eye safely and easily!

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Resources:

• https://www.helenavisioncare.com/does-lashes-extension-affect-eye-vision.html
• https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/eyelash-in-eye