Foreign body (in the eye)

Foreign body (in the eye)

A foreign body refers to any object or substance that enters the eye from the outside environment. These can range from tiny particles like dust or eyelashes to larger objects such as metal shavings or wood splinters.

 

Key information

  • Common causes: dust, sand, metal particles, insects, glass shards
  • Severity: Can range from minor irritation to serious injury
  • Urgency: Prompt removal is crucial to prevent complications

 

Related terms

 

Symptoms

Individuals experiencing a foreign body in the eye may notice:

  • Feeling of something in the eye
  • Eye hurts when you blink
  • Redness and irritation
  • Excessive tearing
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision
  • Discomfort

 

Diagnosis

Here is typically what would happen during an emergency eye exam:

  • Visual examination with magnification
  • Fluorescein dye test to reveal corneal damage
  • Eyelid eversion to check for objects under the upper eyelid

 

Treatment

Here’s how you can get something out of your eye safely:

  1. Flushing the eye with saline solution
  2. Removal with a cotton swab or fine-tipped instrument
  3. For embedded objects, professional removal by an eye doctor

 

Home care

For minor irritations:

  • Avoid rubbing the eye
  • Blink repeatedly to produce tears
  • Flush with clean water or saline solution
  • Use eye drops if a scratchy feeling remains in your eye even after removing the foreign body

 

When to seek medical attention

Call in to the emergency services or consult an eye care professional immediately if:

  • The object is embedded in the eye
  • Vision changes occur
  • Pain persists after attempted removal
  • Chemical exposure is involved

 

Prevention

To reduce the risk of foreign bodies entering the eye:

  • Wear protective eyewear during high-risk activities
  • Avoid rubbing eyes with dirty hands
  • Use caution in windy or dusty environments

 

Complications

Something left in your eye can cause permanent, including:

 

AccuVision’s Approach

  • Rapid and gentle foreign body removal
  • Advanced diagnostic techniques for thorough eye assessment
  • Emergency eye care services
  • Follow-up care to ensure proper healing

 

For expert care and immediate attention to foreign body concerns, call our emergency team on 0330 123 2020 now.

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