EYE, FOREIGN BODY IN
Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice
Treatment for Numerous Particles such as dirt or sand)
- Clean around the eye with a wet washcloth first.
- Place your eye under a gently running faucet or shower. Hold the eyelid open while you do this.
- Or, try to open and close the eye repeatedly while submerging that side of the face in a pan of water.
Treatment for a Particle in a Corner of the Eye
- Try to get it out with a moistened cotton swab or the corner of a moistened cloth.
Treatment for a Particle Under the Lower Lid
- Pull the lower lid out by depressing the skin above the cheekbone.
- Touch the particle with a moistened cotton swab.
- If that does not work, try pouring water on the speck while pulling the lower lid out.
Treatment for a Particle Under the Upper Lid
- If particle cannot be seen, it's probably under the upper lid, the most common hiding place.
- Try to open and close the eye several times while it is submerged in a pan or bowl of water.
- If this fails, pull the upper lid out and draw it over the lower lid. This maneuver and tears will sometimes dislodge the particle.
Symptom Definition
- A foreign body (FB) or object lodged in the eye
- Main symptoms are irritation, pain, tearing and blinking
General Information
- Foreign bodies in the eye need to be removed, as they can damage the eye.
- The most common objects that get in the eye are an eyelash or a piece of dried mucus ("sleep"). Particulate matter such as sand, dirt, sawdust, or grit also can be blown into the eyes. Tree and plant pollen can blow into the eyes.
- Rubbing the eye can lead to the foreign object scratching the cornea (clear part in center of eye).
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- A chemical splashed into your eye, read EYE, CHEMICAL IN
- No foreign body and EYE, PUS OR DRAINAGE is your main concern
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP
Reviewed 8/2004
Revised 8/2004
See Other Topics: