Do not rub your eye to make it water. Whatever foreign object you have in your eye could damage your cornea or get embedded in your eye. [1] X Research source

If you can’t find it at first, you may need to pull down your lower lid and check under there. You can also hold open your top lid and check there are well. The speck might get stuck on the back of your lids. If you are by yourself, grab a mirror. Hold your eye open and move it around and look for the speck as best you can. [2] X Research source

Try this a few times if it doesn’t work right away. If you can’t get it to work, however, you can try other methods. [3] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source

You can also use a clean washcloth or a soft, damp towel if you don’t have a cotton swab. If the particulate is on the cornea (the non-white portion of your eye), do not use a cotton swab to get it out. The cornea is very sensitive and you may damage it. [4] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source

If you are by yourself, try a slower, gentler method such as an eyedropper or smaller cup of water. [5] X Research source

Eye drops or artificial tears work the same as a saline solution. While holding your eye open with one hand, tilt your head back and squeeze several drops of eye drops into your eye to remove the speck. [6] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source

Make sure you wash the eye cup after each use. [8] X Research source

You can also cover it with a towel or soft cloth if you get an appointment immediately after your cleansing methods fail. [9] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source

The best way to know if you have a scratch or ulcer is to get a doctor to check it. There is a special solution of yellow fluorescein that the eye doctor will drop into your eye that will pinpoint any scratch or ulcer you may have on your eye. [11] X Research source

Always seek medical advice before using any kind of ointment on your eyes. [12] X Research source

You may need surgery or a non-invasive procedure to remove the object from beneath the surface of your eye. [13] X Research source