Foreign Body in Eye

Here's what to do in case of foreign bodies in the eyes, follow the steps below:

1. Do any of the following apply?
      a. Can the foreign body be seen, and does it remain after gentle washing?
      b. Could the injury have penetrated the globe of the eye?
      c. Can you see blood in the eye?
            if YES: see doctor now!
            if NO: proceed to #2.

2. Is there any problem with vision, or does it feel as if a foreign body might be trapped behind the upper lid?
      if YES: see doctor now!
      if NO: use home treatment


HOME TREATMENT

Be gentle. Wash the eye out. Water is good; a weak solution of boric acid is better, if available (follow label directions).

Inspect the eye yourself and have someone else check it as well. Use a good light and shine it from the front and the side. Pay particular attention to the cornea.

An eye patch will relieve pain. Take it off each day to recheck the eye; it is usually needed for 24 hours or less. Make the patch with several layers of gauze and tape it firmly in place; you want some gentle pressure on the eye.

Check vision each day; compare the two eyes by reading different sizes of newspaper type from across the room, first with one eye, then with the other. If you aren't sure all is going well, see a doctor.


WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE

The doctor will check your vision and inspect the eye, including under the upper lid - this isn't painful. Usually he or she will drop a fluorescent stain into the eye and then examine it under ultraviolet light- this isn't painful or hazardous. An opthalmologist will examine the eye with a microscope.

The doctor will remove any foreign body in the eye. In the office, the doctor may use a cotton swab, an eyewash solution, or a small needle or "eye spud". He or she sometimes applies an antibiotic ointment or provides an eye patch. Eye drops that dilate the pupil may be employed. The doctor may have X-rays taken if a foreign body may be inside the globe of the eye.