MarLeah Cole

First Aid for Foreign Object in the Eye

Article
Eye & Vision
First Aid
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAMar 05, 2018

What is Foreign Object in the Eye?

  • It is the presence of a foreign body/object in the eye of an individual. This may range from dust, to sand particles, or even a tiny piece of wood or metal
  • The condition can lead to watery eyes, redness, and pain. In most cases, Foreign Objects in the Eye may be easily removed at home, since they are small and harmless

What are the Causes of Foreign Object in the Eye?

Foreign Objects in the Eye that get accidentally inserted include:

  • Debris
  • Glass
  • Dirt
  • Contact lens
  • Eyelash
  • Make-up
  • Metal pieces

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Foreign Object in the Eye?

The signs and symptoms of Foreign Object in the Eye include:

  • Pain
  • Blurry vision
  • Redness
  • Irritation
  • Sensitivity to light

How is First Aid administered for Foreign Object in the Eye?

First Aid tips for Foreign Object in the Eye include:

  • Wash your hands (this applies to those volunteering to help too)
  • Move the person to a well-lit area
  • Examine the eye
  • Try to flush out the eye with clean, warm water or saline solution, if the object is found floating
  • DO NOT rub the eyes
  • DO NOT remove the object, if it is embedded in the eyeball
  • DO NOT remove large objects (if any found)

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • The foreign body cannot be removed
  • Pain persist, or the condition worsens
  • Object is embedded in the eyeball
  • There is abnormal or blurry vision
  • Scratching sensation continues

Who should administer First Aid for Foreign Object in the Eye?

First Aid can be administered by the person themselves, or by someone nearby.

What is the Prognosis of Foreign Object in the Eye?

The prognosis for Foreign Object in the Eye is generally good. 

How can Foreign Object in the Eye be Prevented?

Use protective eye-wear during work, or while performing laboratory experiments.

What are certain Crucial Steps to be followed?

  • Wash hands before attempting to retrieve foreign object from the eye
  • Assess severity and if serious call 911; or contact your emergency medical help number
Was this article helpful

On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

0 Comments

Please log in to post a comment.

Related Articles

Test Your Knowledge

Asked by users

Related Centers

Loading

Related Specialties

Loading card

Related Physicians

Related Procedures

Related Resources

Join DoveHubs

and connect with fellow professionals

Related Directories

Who we are

At DoveMed, our utmost priority is your well-being. We are an online medical resource dedicated to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information on a wide range of medical topics. But we're more than just an information hub - we genuinely care about your health journey. That's why we offer a variety of products tailored for both healthcare consumers and professionals, because we believe in empowering everyone involved in the care process.
Our mission is to create a user-friendly healthcare technology portal that helps you make better decisions about your overall health and well-being. We understand that navigating the complexities of healthcare can be overwhelming, so we strive to be a reliable and compassionate companion on your path to wellness.
As an impartial and trusted online resource, we connect healthcare seekers, physicians, and hospitals in a marketplace that promotes a higher quality, easy-to-use healthcare experience. You can trust that our content is unbiased and impartial, as it is trusted by physicians, researchers, and university professors around the globe. Importantly, we are not influenced or owned by any pharmaceutical, medical, or media companies. At DoveMed, we are a group of passionate individuals who deeply care about improving health and wellness for people everywhere. Your well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

© 2023 DoveMed. All rights reserved. It is not the intention of DoveMed to provide specific medical advice. DoveMed urges its users to consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and answers to their personal medical questions. Always call 911 (or your local emergency number) if you have a medical emergency!