How to Get Metal Out of the Eye

There are many injuries you can treat yourself, but metal in the eye usually is not one of them. Getting a piece of metal or even metal dust in your eye can cause serious complications, so if basic first aid fails, go to a doctor or the emergency room. Removal of a foreign object requires the trained hand and specialized instruments of an ophthalmologist or surgeon.

Things You'll Need

• Eye cup
• Saline solution
• Mirror
• Clean, warm water

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Instructions

• 1

  Decide whether first aid is appropriate. If the metal is embedded in your eye or affecting your vision, don't try to remove it yourself. Also, if you have been hammering, grinding or working with high-velocity metal, go immediately to a doctor or the emergency room.

• 2

  Wash your hands if first aid is appropriate. If your hands are dirty with heavy grease or chemicals, have someone with clean hands help you.

• 3

  Try to spot the object. Pull your lower eyelid down and look up, then pull your upper eyelid up and look down.

• 4

  Try flushing the object from your eye. If it is floating on the eye's surface, fill the eye cup (or a small drinking glass) with saline solution or clean, warm water. Put your head down, place the cup at the base of the eye socket, tilt your head back slowly and put your head back down. Repeat several times if necessary.

• 5

  Go to a doctor or the emergency room if necessary. If you cannot get the object out of your eye, or if redness and irritation persist after you think you've removed the object, your injury requires professional medical attention.