Anything that gets in your eye, whether it’s a speck of sand or a chemical, can cause pain and could damage the cornea.

What to Do Immediately: Try to dislodge a small particle by blinking several times. If it’s not budging, rinse the eye by holding the lid open under a running tap (if possible, remove contact lenses first).

What Not to Do: Never rub your eyes. Even a tiny piece of dirt can scratch the cornea and cause an infection. Never try to remove an object that’s deeply embedded — leave that to the professionals.

When to Seek Medical Attention: If you have splashed a chemical (such as bleach) in your eye or have an object embedded in it, call 911. For minor irritants, call your doctor if your eye is still stinging or swelling after rinsing or if you have vision problems.