Can I sleep with something in my eye?

Author: Kaylin Rohan  |  Last update: Monday, January 19, 2026

Sleeping with something in your eye isn't a good idea. You should do everything you can to get the object out before you go to bed at night. Leaving something in your eye for a long period of time can lead to an eye infection.

What will happen if I go to sleep with something in my eye?

Possible complications include: infection and scarring – if the foreign body is not removed from your eye, it may lead to infection and scarring. For example, metal objects react with the eye's natural tears and rust forms around the metal.

Is it okay to leave something stuck in your eye?

If foreign bodies (think metal, rust, dirt, etc.) get stuck in the cornea, you can end up with an eye infection — or even permanent damage. Fast and appropriate treatment is key to making sure your vision stays intact.

Will something in my eye come out on its own?

Foreign objects in the eye usually are flushed out through the natural blinking and tearing action of the eye. If the foreign body can be seen on the inner surface of either the lower or upper lid, try to gently flush it out with water or use a cotton-tipped swab to invert the eyelid and inspect the underside.

Will sleeping help get something out of your eyes?

Sleeping with something in your eye isn't a good idea. You should do everything you can to get the object out before you go to bed at night. Leaving something in your eye for a long period of time can lead to an eye infection.

What's the sleep or sand in the corner of my eye when I wake up in the morning?

What does a scratched eye feel like?

Pain. Blurry vision. A gritty feeling in the eye. Tearing.

Should I go to the ER for a scratched eye?

In general, if you have a scratched cornea and the pain or discomfort isn't improving after a day or two, it's a good idea to seek medical attention at the nearest urgent care.

Is sleep good for an irritated eye?

Sleeping helps your eyes get the moisture and lubrication they need. Also, during sleep, our eyes clear out irritants such as dust or allergens that may have accumulated during the day.

Why does it feel like something is in my eye but there isn t?

This is called a foreign body sensation. A doctor may not find anything wrong with your eye. If you had something very small in your eye, like a speck of dirt, tears may have washed it out. Or you may have a small scratch on the surface of the eye (cornea), which can make it feel as if something is still in your eye.

How do I get something out of my eye that won't come out?

Use an eyecup or a small, clean drinking glass positioned with its rim resting on the bone at the base of your eye socket. Another way to flush a foreign object from your eye is to get into a shower and aim a gentle stream of lukewarm water on your forehead over the affected eye while holding your eyelid open.

Can urgent care get something out of my eye?

Our urgent care center is equipped to handle minor to moderate eye emergencies, including the removal of foreign objects, to preserve your vision and eye health.

Does something eventually in your eye go away?

Minor eye injuries, such as shampoo or dust in your eye, often get better on their own within a day. Get medical help if you have a chemical in your eye or something pierces it.

What is the fastest way to heal a scratched eye?

How Should I Treat an Eye Scratch or Scrape?
  1. Do rinse your eye with saline solution or clean water. ...
  2. Do blink. ...
  3. Do pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid. ...
  4. Do wear sunglasses. ...
  5. Don't rub your eye. ...
  6. Don't touch your eye with anything. ...
  7. Don't wear your contact lenses. ...
  8. Don't use redness-relieving eye drops.

Will eye drops help get something out of the eye?

Some foreign bodies can be removed simply by gently pulling your upper eyelid over the lower one. If that doesn't work, flushing your eye with eye drops can be helpful.

Is it okay to sleep with a contact stuck in your eye?

Please don't allow this to happen! Leaving a contact lens stuck in your eye for days will increase your risk of eye infection and vision damage. According to the CDC, keeping contacts in your eyes (whether or not they're stuck) can increase your risk for infection as much as six to eight times.

How to get rid of the feeling of something in your eye?

If a person is experiencing a foreign body sensation in their eye, home remedies can help provide relief. Options can include using artificial tears and a warm compress using a warm washcloth. If these do not resolve discomfort, a person should consult a doctor.

Does sleeping relieve eye strain?

Like any other muscle in our body, sleep is essential for eye muscles to rest and recover. A lack of sleep can cause short-term vision issues and contribute to more long-term eye problems like myopia (shortsightedness) or glaucoma.

How long does a poked eye last?

In people who are in good general health, most typical corneal abrasions can heal on their own within 24 to 48 hours. A doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Because the cornea is so sensitive, simply opening and closing the eye over the abrasion may be painful.

Does sleep help corneal abrasion?

The cornea has many nerve endings and is thus very sensitive making a scratched cornea a potentially painful experience. Fortunately, smaller corneal abrasions usually heal quite quickly-often within 24 hours-or during sleep.

Can urgent care check your eyes?

Urgent care centers are a third option for emergency eye care. These are stand-alone clinics outside hospitals that can provide quick care.

What are 5 signs of an eye injury?

When Does an Eye Injury Need Medical Care?
  • trouble seeing.
  • something stuck in the eye.
  • severe eye pain.
  • blood in the eye.
  • upset stomach or vomiting after an eye injury.
  • a cut on the eye.
  • pupils that don't look equal or one isn't round.
  • an injury from being struck in the eye with a ball or other object.

How to flush your eyes?

Eye Flushing
  1. Stand under a shower with open eyes.
  2. Put your face under a running faucet.
  3. Use a kitchen sink sprayer at low pressure.
  4. Immerse your face in a sink or pan filled with water.
  5. Run water from a garden hose over your eye. (Don't use the spray nozzle.)
  6. Pour water from a pitcher or jug over your eye.

What eye drops are good for eye injuries?

Treatment of Eye injury

Hyperton Eye Drop is used to heal an eye injury after surgery, infection or trauma. It reduces swelling in the eye which may lessen eye discomfort or irritation. Use Hyperton Eye Drop exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

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