Have you ever had a small irritant in your eye that just won’t go away? It’s possible that you have a piece of barley stuck in your eye. Barley, also known as a Hordeum bulb, is a small plant that produces seed-like structures.
These structures, when they come into contact with your eye, can be very painful and difficult to remove. In this article, we’ll go over some methods you can use to get rid of barley in your eye.
Method 1: Flushing your eye with water
One of the simplest methods you can use to get rid of barley in your eye is flushing it out with water. This method involves using clean, lukewarm water to flush out your eye and remove the irritant. Here’s how to do it:.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eye.
- Fill a clean cup or container with lukewarm water.
- Place the container under your eye and tilt your head back.
- Gently pour the water into your eye, letting it flow over your eye and out the other side of your face.
- Blink several times to help flush out the barley.
- If the barley is still there, repeat the process until it is removed.
Method 2: Using eye drops
If flushing your eye out with water doesn’t work, you can try using over-the-counter eye drops. Eye drops can help to lubricate your eye and flush out any irritants. Here’s how to use eye drops:.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eye.
- Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid to create a pocket.
- Squeeze the prescribed number of eye drops into the pocket created by your lower eyelid.
- Blink several times to help spread the drops throughout your eye.
- Repeat the process until the barley is removed.
Method 3: Using a clean cotton swab
If the barley is visible and not too deeply embedded, you can use a clean cotton swab to gently remove it. Here’s how to do it:.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eye.
- Dip the tip of a clean cotton swab in lukewarm water to moisten it.
- Gently touch the barley with the moistened tip of the cotton swab.
- Swipe the barley away from your eye.
- Blink several times to help flush out any remaining pieces of barley.
Method 4: Seeking professional help
If the barley is deeply embedded or if you are unable to remove it using the methods above, you should seek professional help. You can visit an eye doctor who can use specialized equipment to remove the barley from your eye safely.
Preventing barley in your eye
While it’s impossible to completely prevent barley from getting in your eye, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk. These include:.
- Wearing protective eyewear when working with machinery or participating in sports.
- Avoiding rubbing your eyes with dirty hands.
- Washing your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Cleaning and sanitizing any objects that come into contact with your eyes, such as contact lenses or glasses.
Conclusion
Barley in your eye can be an annoying and painful experience. However, with the right tools and techniques, it can be removed safely and easily.
Try these methods to get rid of any barley in your eye, and remember to take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future.