Headed to the beach for spring break? Or maybe you’re going camping or hiking in the woods, or even just some time at the local ball field or park. No matter what the activity, there’s a good chance of getting some type of dirt or sand in your eyes. If that happens, be sure you know these steps from the American Ophthalmology Association for proper treatment.

Getting sand, dirt, dust or other small natural particles in your eye is usually not an emergency. Our eyes are very good at flushing out these kinds of particles with tears and blinking. Let your eyes try to take care of the particles naturally before doing anything else.

If you’ve gotten metal, glass or other man-made materials in your eye, that can be more serious. These kinds of objects can become embedded in the surface of the eye and cause ongoing irritation and more damage.

• DO NOT rub the eye.
• Blink several times and allow tears to flush out the particle.
• Lift the upper eyelid over the lashes of your lower lid to let the eyelashes try to brush the particle out.
• Use eyewash, saline solution or running tap water to flush the eye out.
• See a doctor or go to the emergency room as soon as possible If you can’t get the particles out of your eye or if it still feels like there’s something in your eye after you’ve gotten the material out.