Foreign Object In The Eye - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

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

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

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