EYE, FOREIGN BODY IN
Symptom Definition
- A foreign body (FB) or object lodged in the eye
- Main symptoms are irritation, pain, tearing and blinking
General Information
- Foreign bodies in the eye need to be removed, as they can damage the eye.
- The most common objects that get in the eye are an eyelash or a piece of dried mucus ("sleep"). Particulate matter such as sand, dirt, sawdust, or grit also can be blown into the eyes. Tree and plant pollen can blow into the eyes.
- Rubbing the eye can lead to the foreign object scratching the cornea (clear part in center of eye).
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- A chemical splashed into your eye, read EYE, CHEMICAL IN
- No foreign body and EYE, PUS OR DRAINAGE is your main concern
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR FOREIGN BODY IN THE EYE
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
- You think you have a serious injury
- Sharp FB (Foreign Body)
- The FB is a piece of chemical
- FB hit eye at high speed (e.g. metallic chip from hammering, lawnmower, explosion)
- FB is stuck on the eyeball (Caution: do not attempt to remove)
- FB feels like it's still present after eye has been washed out
- Pain or blurred vision are present after the eye has been washed out
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If
- You think you need to be seen
- Yellow or green pus occurs
Self Care at Home If
- Minor foreign body in the eye and you don't think you need to be seen
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR EYE FOREIGN BODY
- Treatment for Numerous
Particles (such as dirt or sand):
- Clean around the eye with a wet washcloth first.
- Try to open and close the eye repeatedly while submerging that side of the face in a pan of water.
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Treatment for a Particle in a Corner of the Eye:
- Try to get it out with a moistened cotton swab or the corner of a moistened cloth.
-
Treatment for a Particle Under the Lower Lid:
- Pull the lower lid out by depressing the skin above the cheekbone.
- Touch the particle with a moistened cotton swab.
- If that doesn't work, try pouring water on the speck while pulling the lower lid out.
-
Treatment for a Particle Under the Upper Lid:
- If particle can't be seen, it's probably under the upper lid, the most common hiding place.
- Try to open and close the eye several times while it is submerged in a pan or bowl of water.
- If this fails, pull the upper lid out and draw it over the lower lid. This maneuver, and tears, will sometimes dislodge the particle.
- Expected Course: The discomfort, redness and excessive tearing usually pass 1 to 2 hours after the FB is removed.
- Contacts: Patients with contact lenses need to switch to glasses temporarily. (Reason: to prevent damage to the cornea.)
- Call Your Doctor If:
- This approach does not remove all the foreign material from the eye (i.e. the sensation of "grittiness" or pain persists).
- Vision does not return to normal after the eye has been irrigated.
- Foreign object has been removed, but tearing and blinking persist
- You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
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