How to Remove Foreign Objects From the Eye
Eyes are one of the most sensitive, yet important organs of the body, so it goes without saying how vital it is to maintain good hygiene practices and schedule regular vision testing. Injuries and trauma to the eyes can occur in many situations that will place us at risk of losing proper eye function and vision. Also, foreign objects, such as insects, can accidentally enter the eye and cause injuries and serious infections if not taken care of immediately. This article will give some tips on how to remove small foreign objects from the eye.
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Things You'll Need
- Soap and water (or hand sanitizer)
- Cotton swab
- Saline eye solution
- Eye patch or sunglasses (possibly)
Instructions
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Wash your hands with soap and water. This will decrease the risk of contaminating and spreading germs to the eye. If you need assistance to remove the object, then make sure the other person's hands are clean as well. Use a hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't accessible. There are various brands and sizes available at drug stores. You might also keep a pocket-size hand sanitizer or moist towelettes in your pocket or purse.
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Instruct the victim not to touch or rub the affected eye, as this will make the injury worse. If there are any open lacerations or trauma to the eye itself, it will increase the risk of contamination and infection.
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Check the lower eyelid area first by gently pulling done on the lower lid and asking the person to look upwards. Inspect the area carefully; if you can see the object, then carefully remove it with a cotton swab. Be very careful not to poke the eye.
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Another way to remove the foreign object is to flush it out with warm water, or if available, a saline eye solution. Ask the person to tilt their head towards their shoulder so that the injured eye is lowered down. Using saline or water, rinse the eye from the inner edge or corner to the outer edge of the eye. Repeat this procedure several times, then check to see if you were successful in removing the object.
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If the problem still exists, then try to see if the object is under the upper lid area. To do this, lift the upper eyelid gently and look to see if the object can be removed with a cotton swab. Be very gentle and careful as you attempt to remove the object.
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There is a chance that the cornea layer of the eye might have been scratched due to friction and abrasion from the object. The victim will normally experience sharp, stabbing pains if the cornea has been injured. The eye is very sensitive and needs time to repair and heal. Place an eyepatch or wear dark sunglasses to protect the injured eye from bright lights or the sun's rays, as this will aggravate and delay the healing process.
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Cleanse the eye several times during the day until you feel that it has healed completely. If the pain or eye irritation persists after a few days, then you should be examined by a doctor to ensure that no other objects or portions of the object have remained in the eye. Persistent pain or problems with the injured eye can indicate a more serious problem, so it is advisable to get medical help immediately.
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Tips & Warnings
Common symptoms or complaints from serious eye trauma or injury are: redness, swelling, blurry vision, tearing, rubbing eyes constantly.
Carry a hand sanitizer or wet towelettes in your bag to keep your hands clean. This is especially important if you have young children or toddlers around.
Never poke the injured eye.
Never attempt to remove embedded objects from the eye by yourself or have an untrained medical professional do it. Go to the emergency room or see your medical doctor immediately to reduce any further damage to the eye.
This article is not a substitue for seeking medical attention from your own medical doctor or healthcare professional.
