It's easy to get something in your eyes now and then. Whether removing an eyelash, dust, insect, or other foreign body, protect your eyes by following a few simple steps:
* Never try to remove anything that is lodged or penetrated in the eye.
* Cover both eyes and have someone take you to an eye doctor or emergency room if something is imbedded in the eye.
* Don't rub your eye.
* Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
* Visually locate the object in the eye.
* Blink to allow your tears to wash it out.
* Pull the upper lid over the lower lid and roll the eye.
* Remove floating particles with a wet cotton swab or the corner of a clean cloth while holding the upper or lower lid open.
* Use an eye cup or small juice glass to rinse the eye with plain water to flush it out.
* Blow your nose.

Chemical burns to the eyes are a medical emergency. Follow these steps if a chemical gets into your eyes:
* Immediately flush the eye with water for 15 to 30 minutes.
* Hold your head under the faucet or pour water into your eye from a clean container.
* Keep your eye open during the flushing.
* Call your eye doctor or have someone take you to the emergency room.

Vision can be threatened by foreign bodies, trauma, infection, or exposure to chemicals or particulate matter such as dense smoke. Guard you sight. Protect your eyes with safety glasses. If injured seek prompt and proper care.

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