(HealthDay News) -- Getting something in your eye can be irritating enough, but you do more damage to your eye while trying to get it out.

To get dust, an eyelash, or other small particle out of your eye without injuring yourself, follow these suggestions from the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Wash your hands thoroughly, and examine your eye in a mirror in a well-lighted room. Look up, down, and side to side, and try to locate the particle in your eye.
• Do not rub your eye.
• If you can't find the particle, gently pull down the skin beneath your eye and look under the lower lid. Also gently grasp the upper lid and look underneath there, as well.
• Try to gently rinse the eye or eyelid with water when you find the particle.
• If you can't easily remove the particle or it looks like it's already damaged the eye, seek immediate medical attention.