Foreign Objects in the Eye: Causes and Treatment

Yashoda Hospitals > Symptoms > Foreign Objects in the Eye

Foreign Objects in the Eye Symptoms

Introduction

Foreign objects in the eye are one of the leading causes of emergency visits to the eye department in hospitals. These objects can cause several problems, including very serious ones. This blog focuses on the different foreign objects that find their way into the eye and what can be done to alleviate the problem.

What are Foreign Objects in the Eye?

A foreign body is an object that enters your eye from the outside. It can be anything from a speck of dust, metal shaving, a wood chip, a piece of glass, or even an insect.

Whenever an object lands on the front surface of the eye, it instinctively makes you scratch your eye. And this can cause minor injuries to the cornea, the outer protective covering of the eye.

Therefore, do not try to remove any foreign bodies from your eyes at home. Instead, seek medical help. To book an appointment, contact Yashoda Hospitals,India.

Signs and symptoms of Foreign Objects in the Eye

You might experience the following symptoms if you have a foreign object in your eye:

a sensation that something is in your eye
watery or red eye
sharp eye pain
burning and irritation in the eye
excessive blinking
blurred vision in the affected eye

Causes of Foreign Objects in the Eye

Foreign objects in the eye can be a result of mishaps that can take place during daily activities. The most common types of foreign objects that can enter your eye:

dirt
eyelashes
sawdust
cosmetics
contact lenses
glass shards
metal particles

When should you consult a doctor?

Most of the time, you will be able to remove the foreign object from your eye at home. However, you should consult a doctor if:

any changes in vision occur
severe pain after removal of an object
the object is glass or a chemical
the object was rough or sharp
the object entered the eye at a high speed
the eye is bleeding

Do not ignore these points and make sure to seek medical help as soon as possible. To book an appointment, contact Yashoda Hospitals, India.

Remedies/TreatmentA prompt diagnosis and treatment will help prevent any serious complications. But before you reach the doctor, make sure to follow these steps:

Restrict eye movement
Do not rub or put pressure on the eye
If you have a sudden swelling or suffered a chemical injury, do not try to remove your contact lenses

If you feel the foreign object can be removed at home, try this – take some water in a flat container and immerse the side of your face with the affected area. Open and close the eye several times while the eye is underwater to flush out the object.

If you do not succeed in removing the foreign object, contact your physician or visit a nearby hospital for proper medical treatment. The doctor may carry an examination and refer you to a physician who specialises in eye care for further assessment or treatment, depending on the object and severity of your eye condition.

ConclusionIt’s all too common for people to find themselves with foreign objects in their eyes. But if your eye condition becomes severe, consult a doctor, get a thorough examination, and enjoy good eyesight!

Enquire now

Frequently Asked Questions about Foreign Objects in the Eye

Yes, the most common eye injuries associated with foreign objects in the eye are corneal scratches or abrasions. Mostly, these abrasions heal within 48 hours. In severe cases, consult a doctor.

The first thing to support the first aid for foreign objects in the eye is to wash your hands with soap and water. Then try to flush out the object with a gentle stream of clean water.

No, debris cannot get behind the eye. All they can do is cause some scratches on your cornea, which can be managed or treated.

Tiny foreign objects can be removed from the eye under medical supervision. Do not try to remove any tiny objects by yourself and get injured.

To remove a corneal foreign body at home, try this - in a flat container, immerse the side of your face with the affected area. Open and close the eyes several times while the eyes are underwater to flush out the object.