HOW TO SAFELY AND QUICKLY REMOVE A FOREIGN OBJECT FROM YOUR EYE

• There are several ways to remove a foreign object from your eye. It’s important to see a doctor to remove sharp objects, such as a glass or metal fragment.

• A foreign object in the eye refers to anything from outside the body that gets into the eye. It can be lodged under the eyelid, stuck on the ocular surface, or penetrate the eye.

• Commonly affected parts include:

  • Cornea: The clear dome covering the eye's front; it protects and helps focus light.

  • Conjunctiva: The thin membrane covering the sclera (white part) and lining under the eyelids.

• Foreign objects cannot get lost behind the eyeball but may scratch the cornea.

• Some injuries are minor, but others may cause infections or vision damage.
  
  
  

SYMPTOMS OF A FOREIGN OBJECT IN THE EYE

• Pressure or discomfort

• Sensation of something in the eye

• Eye pain

• Excessive tearing

• Light sensitivity

• Frequent blinking

• Red or bloodshot eye

• Less common but more severe: Intraocular foreign body — often caused by explosions or high-speed impacts (e.g., gunshots). Signs include fluid or blood discharge from the eye.

COMMON CAUSES

• Everyday activities can result in:

  • Eyelashes

  • Dried mucus

  • Dirt or sand

  • Sawdust

  • Cosmetics

  • Contact lenses

  • Metal or glass particles

• High-speed projectiles are most dangerous and can cause permanent vision loss.

WHEN TO GET EMERGENCY CARE

• Seek immediate help if:

  • The object is sharp, rough, or large

  • It prevents the eye from closing

  • It contains chemicals

  • It’s embedded or caused bleeding

  • It was propelled at high speed

• Until help arrives:

  • Limit eye movement

  • Bandage with clean cloth or gauze

  • Use a paper cup if the object is too large

  • Cover the uninjured eye to reduce movement

• Even after removal, get medical attention if:

  • You still feel something in the eye

  • Vision or symptoms persist or worsen

  • Cloudiness appears on the cornea

HOME CARE STEPS

• Don’t rub the eye or use tools like tweezers

• Don’t remove contact lenses unless there’s swelling or chemical injury

Before starting care:

1. Wash your hands

2. Use bright light

3. Inspect the eye by manipulating eyelids:

   • Look up and pull down lower lid

   • Look down and flip upper lid

Techniques to remove the object:

• Under upper eyelid:

  • Submerge face in water and blink several times

  • Use an eyecup to rinse

  • Pull upper lid over lower lid to dislodge

• Under lower eyelid:

  • Pull lid down or press skin beneath to expose

  • Use a damp cotton swab if visible

  • Flush with water or use eyecup

• For multiple small particles (e.g., sand):

  • Use wet cloth to wipe surrounding area

  • Submerge eye and blink repeatedly

  • For children: pour warm water into eye while holding lids open

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL HELP

• If unable to remove the object

• If vision is still abnormal

• If tearing, swelling, or irritation persists

• If symptoms worsen after removal

AT THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE

• May use numbing drops and fluorescein dye

• Tools: magnifier, cotton swab, tweezers, or water flush

• In more severe cases: use of needles or surgical tools

• If corneal abrasion:

  • Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection

  • Eye drops to keep pupil dilated (for large abrasions)

  • Pain relievers like acetaminophen

  • Imaging (CT scan) if intraocular damage suspected

  • Referral to ophthalmologist if necessary

RECOVERY

• Minor cases heal in ~2 hours

• Irritation may last 1–2 days

• Corneal abrasions heal in 2–3 days

• Higher infection risk with organic material (e.g., twigs, soil)

• Intraocular injuries may cause permanent damage or endophthalmitis

PREVENTION

• Use protective eyewear when:

  • Using tools (saws, hammers, grinders)

  • Working with chemicals

  • Mowing the lawn

Protecting your eyes during high-risk activities is the best way to prevent foreign objects from entering and causing harm.