Overview
- Any object that lodges itself in the eye
- Small objects will be washed out by tears / blinking
- Others need medical attention
Causes
- Dust
- Debris
- Sand
- Contact lens
- Eye lash
- Make up
- Flying objects like glass
Symptoms
- Itching
- Irritation
- Pain
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Blurry vision
Treatment
- Wash hands before helping the victim
- Seat the person in a lighted area
- Gently examine the eye
- Pull lower eyelid downward
- Ask the person to look upward
- Then hold upper eyelid while person looks down
- If object is floating try flushing it out
- Otherwise, touch the object with wet cotton bud
- Object should cling to the cotton bud
- If object is removed, flush eyes with saline/warm water
- If object cannot be removed, see a doctor
- If object is embedded, do not touch
- Cover the eyes with paper cups and tape it
- Consult doctor immediately
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Steps to Avoid
- Avoid rubbing eyes
- Do not remove an embedded object
- Do not try to remove a large object
Consult a doctor
- When the object cannot be removed
- When object is embedded
- When the person's vision is affected
- When the scratching sensation persists
- When pain persists even after removing object
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Prognosis
- Depends on type of object and mode of entry
- Glass/sharp objects may damage eye
Prevention
- Wear protective eye gear at work, if necessary
- Wear protective gears while playing sports
- Exercise caution if using contact lens
