Foreign bodies in the eye
Foreign bodies, such as metal, plastic or wood, can scratch or graze the surface of the eye or cornea.
A foreign body in the eye is something that enters the eye externally from the body. Foreign bodies in the eye can cause minor discomfort, but can also cause severe damage, including loss of sight.
There are many foreign bodies which can cause damage to the eyes including wood splinters, soot from a burning fire, dust, dirt, debris, metal particles, bugs, insects and even a single eyelash can enter and damage the eye.
In severe cases, the foreign body may be embedded.
Signs and symptoms
- Sensation that something is in the eye
- Increase in tears produced by the eye
- Pain
- Blurred or double vision
- Sensitivity to light
- A visible foreign body on the cornea
- A rust ring or stain on the cornea if the foreign body is metal
Treatment
- Wear disposable gloves
- Sit the casualty down, and stand behind them
- Lean their head back and very gently separate their eyelid with your finger and thumb and inspect the eye
- If you can see the foreign object, then try flushing it out with a sterile eye wash solution, or clean tap water. Place a towel on the shoulder on the side of the injured eye. Lean the head back and inclined towards the injured side. Gently pour the eye wash into the eye to flush it out
- If this doesn’t work, then you must seek medical advice
Embedded Objects in the Eye
If there is something embedded, then you must leave it in place. Cover the eye with a sterile dressing, being extremely careful not to make any contact with the foreign body that is embedded. Transport them to hospital immediately, or ring for an ambulance.