Foreign Objects In The Eye

Something in the eye is not just painful - it could endanger eyesight. Foreign objects that rest on the eyelid or inside the lid can be washed out, but foreign matter that is embedded in the eye or will not wash out must be treated by a physician.

If irritation or other symptoms continue after a loose foreign object has been removed from the eye, the object may have scratched the cornea (the clear covering of the colored part of the eye.). An ophthalmologist or emergency room doctor can quickly check the cornea for injury. A scratched cornea usually heals in 24 to 48 hours when covered with an eye patch.

How To Spot It

Foreign matter in the eye can cause a stinging or burning pain, especially when blinking. The tears flow and eyes turn red or bloodshot. The patient may become sensitive to light and get a headache.

How To Treat It

Follow these steps:

1. Do not rub the eye; rubbing might scratch the eyeball.
2. Make tears flow by blinking. This could wash out the object.

3. If something is stuck inside the top eyelid, pull out the top eyelash and pull the lid down over the lower lid.

4. If this doesn't work, gently flush the eye with clean lukewarm water poured from a glass.
5. You might be able to see and remove the object from the white part of the eye , using a twisted corner of a clean cloth or handkerchief.
6. Do not try to take out something that is stuck in the cornea.
7. If you cannot remove the object, cover both eyes with a dry, sterile gauze pad and take the patient to a doctor.
8. Do not try to remove someone's contact lenses.

The National Society to Prevent Blindness says that 90% of all eye damage is preventable. More eye injuries happen at home than any where else. To protect your eyes, always wear safety goggles when using power tools, lawn and garden equipment, and other machinery that sling dirt and debris. Be careful not to let fumes from solvents and cleaning agents burn your eyes.