Remedy for Foreign Matter in the Eye

Foreign matter in the eye can be a simple windblown speck of dust or a more dangerous power drill-flung scrap of metal. When working near any foreign matter that may end up in your eye, it is best to wear protective eyeglasses or goggles to avoid injury. Most often, specks of dust can be removed easily by blinking, flushing or using a cotton swab, but, in more serious cases, such as metal or glass fragments landing on the surface of the eye, prompt medical attention is essential to avoid pain or loss of vision.

Blink

• When foreign matter enters the eye--windblown debris, for example--the eye’s natural defense is to blink. The movement of the eyelashes may push the debris away from the surface of the eye or the tear ducts may secrete tears to wash the foreign matter from the eye. If this does not occur immediately, try pulling your upper lid out and down over your lower eyelid to induce tears. Blink rapidly to wash the foreign matter from your eye with your own tears. Never rub your eyes as this may scrape the particle across your cornea, causing further irritation.

Flush

• If your tears don’t do the trick, try using an over-the-counter eyewash or clean tepid water to flush out your eye. You should do this as soon as possible and repeatedly until the material is removed. Methods include pouring a saline solution or clean water from a medicine dropper or small spouted cup, putting your face in a water fountain, pouring water from the sink into your eye with cupped hands, using the shower to rinse out your eye or using a garden hose if no other method is available.

Cotton Swab

• If the foreign matter is not adhering to nor is embedded in the eye, you might be able to remove it with a cotton swab. However, this is a delicate process and requires a very steady hand so further injury will not occur. You will need to remain as still as possible while someone else touches the swab to the fragment and lifts it out, being very careful not to scrape or rub.

Physician

• If you are unable to remove the debris by blinking, flushing or using a cotton swab, a trip to your doctor is in order. The doctor may administer a fluorescent dye onto your cornea and shine a UV light onto it to detect any signs of rust from foreign metal material. She may be able to remove it with tweezers or a sanitized swab. If the object is embedded, she is likely to refer you to an eye specialist.

Ophthalmologist

• Some foreign matter (e.g., metal shavings flung into the eye by a power drill while not wearing protective eyewear) may become embedded in the cornea. When the foreign matter is a piece of metal, this often causes a noticeable “rust ring” around the affected area. This rust must also be removed or your visual acuity may be decreased, sometimes permanently. Only an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon will be able to remedy this situation by using a tiny Dremmel-like drill or slim needle to “scoop out” the metal shard and remove the ring of rust.