Foreign Objects in the Eye
Whether it is a stuck eyelash, a fleck of dirt, or a metal shard, getting something in your eye is painful!
The eye is a sensitive organ and even a slight scratch can cause intense discomfort. If you have a foreign object in your eye, you’ll likely feel symptoms immediately.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain, pressure and/or discomfort in the eye
- Excessive blinking
- Blurred vision
- Extreme tearing
- Redness or bloodshot eye
- Swollen eyelid
Foreign objects often found in the eye include eyelashes, dirt, sand, cosmetics, sawdust and contact lenses. Metal particles and glass shards are also common. When a foreign object such as these enters your eye, it can cause irritation, abrasion, scratches and even infection. Luckily, it is usually only a minor injury and will heal without causing any long term vision problems. If you suspect a foreign object in your eye, prompt treatment is key!
When to see a doctor
You may be able to remove a foreign object in the eye at home by flushing it out with water or a saline solution. However, in certain instances, it’s best to seek professional medical treatment. Head into Liberty Urgent Care if:
- You are unable to remove the foreign object at home
- Symptoms of blurred vision, tearing, blinking, or swelling persist
- The condition of your eye worsens despite the removal of the foreign object
- The foreign object:
- has sharp or rough edges
- contains chemicals
- hit the eye at a high rate of speed
- is embedded in the eye