Having a foreign body in your eye can be uncomfortable and a potentially dangerous situation. It is important to address this promptly and take appropriate action. Here is some information to help you understand and manage a foreign body in the eye.
Symptoms:
A sensation of something in your eye, such as grittiness. We call this foreign body sensation.
Eye redness.
Tearing or watering.
Eye pain or discomfort, especially when you blink your eyes.
Blurry vision.
Light sensitivity (photophobia).
Treatment:
Immediately try to flush your eyes with clean water or sterile saline. Avoid using water that is too warm. Blink your eyes several times to help dislodge the foreign body.
Avoid rubbing the eyes.
Use lubricating eye drops to continue flushing the eye out.
You should seek medical attention if an eye wash does not help alleviate your symptoms and you are unable to remove the foreign body, it is important to seek help from an eye care professional. An eye doctor can safely examine your eyes and remove any embedded foreign body. They are able to prescribe eye drops to help control pain/discomfort, to help prevent infections of the eye after a foreign body removal, and can help ensure that your eye heals properly.
Remember, if you have a foreign body in your eye, it is important to act promptly and seek eye care if needed. By doing so you can minimize the risk of further ocular complications and ensure the best possible outcome for your eye health.
Contact us to schedule an appointment today.