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Eye - Foreign Object

Is this your symptom?

A foreign object gets stuck in the eye. The object could be a solid or a liquid.
Also covers small particles such as dirt
The main symptoms are irritation, pain, tears, and blinking

Types of Foreign Objects in the Eye

Blowing Dust. Small particles such as sand, dirt, sawdust, or other grit. Can be blown into the eye on a windy day.
Eyelash. An eyelash is a common finding.
Dry Mucus. A loose piece of dried mucus (sleep) can feel like something is in the eye.
Sharp Object (serious). A piece of glass from a shattered glass ornament is an example.
High Speed Objects (serious) such as a metal chip from a hammer or lawnmower. A plastic fragment or small rock thrown from a weed-whacker are other examples.

When to Call for Eye - Foreign Object

When to Call for Eye - Foreign Object
Call Doctor or Seek Care Now You can't open the eye because of pain or constant tears Contact lens is stuck on the eyeball or lost under the eyelid. It has not come out after washing out the eye. Object feels like it's still there after the eye has been washed out Vision not back to normal after eye has been washed out Eye is cut and No past tetanus shots You think you have a serious injury You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent	Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours Yellow or green pus from eyes Eye is scraped or cut and last tetanus shot was more than 10 years ago You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent Contact Doctor During Office Hours You have other questions or concerns	Self Care at Home Small object or particles in the eye (such as an eyelash, dirt or contact lens) that can be removed at home

Call Doctor or Seek Care Now

You can't open the eye because of pain or constant tears
Contact lens is stuck on the eyeball or lost under the eyelid. It has not come out after washing out the eye.
Object feels like it's still there after the eye has been washed out
Vision not back to normal after eye has been washed out
Eye is cut and No past tetanus shots
You think you have a serious injury
You think you need to be seen, and the problem is urgent

Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours

Yellow or green pus from eyes
Eye is scraped or cut and last tetanus shot was more than 10 years ago
You think you need to be seen, but the problem is not urgent

Contact Doctor During Office Hours

You have other questions or concerns

Self Care at Home

Small object or particles in the eye (such as an eyelash, dirt or contact lens) that can be removed at home

Care Advice for an Object or Small Particles in the Eye

What You Should Know:
- The object (or particles) will always stay in the front part of the eye, unless they hit the eye at high speed.
- It cannot get lost behind the eyeball.
- The space beyond the eyelids goes back ¼ inch (6 mm) and then stops. In other words, it's a dead end.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Lots of Particles (such as dirt or sand) - Treatment:
- Clean around the eye and face with a wet washcloth first. Reason: so more particles won't get in.
- Put that side of the face in a pan of warm water. Try to open and close the eye while in the water. Do it several times.
- Another option is to fill a glass or pitcher with warm tap water. Pour the water into the eye while tilting your head back or to the side. The eyelids must be held open during the rinsing. This process often needs the help of another person.
Particle in a Corner of the Eye - Treatment:
- Try to get it out.
- Use a moistened cotton swab or the corner of a moistened cloth.
Particle Under the Lower Lid - Treatment:
- Pull the lower lid out by pulling down on the skin above the cheekbone.
- Touch the particle with a moist cotton swab.
- If that doesn't work, try pouring water on the particle. Do this while holding the lid out.
Particle Under the Upper Lid - Treatment:
- If the particle can't be seen, it's probably under the upper lid. This is the most common hiding place.
- Try opening and closing the eye several times while it is submerged in a pan or bowl of water. If you have an eye cup, use it. Make sure it is clean.
- If this fails, pull the upper lid out. Then, draw it over the lower lid while the eye is closed. When the eye is opened, the particle may come out. The lower lid may sweep the particle out from under the upper lid.
Contact Lenses:
- If you wear contact lenses, switch to glasses for a while.
- Reason: to prevent damage to the cornea.
What to Expect:
- The pain, redness and tears usually stop after the object is removed.
- It may take 1 to 2 hours for these symptoms to fully go away.
Call Your Doctor If:
- You can't get the object or particles out
- Feels like object is still there 2 hours after taken out
- Tears and blinking do not stop after you take out the object
- Vision is not normal after the eye has been washed out
- You think you need to be seen
- Your symptoms get worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the 'Call Your Doctor' symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.

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