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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Expected Course: The discomfort, redness and excessive tearing usually pass 1 to 2 hours after the FB is removed.
6. Contacts: Patients with contact lenses need to switch to glasses temporarily. (Reason: to prevent damage to the cornea.)
7. 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.

Adult HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

See Other Topics:

• Eye, Chemical In
• Eye, Pus or Drainage

View Anatomic Index of Topics