How to Treat a Foreign Body in the Eye

Whether it's a stray eyelash or a speck of wood, sand or any other foreign material, such items may cause pain or irritation. A foreign body can also cause the eyes to water or produce a scratchy feeling that makes blinking or closing the eyes uncomfortable. Learning how to treat a foreign body in the eye may lead to relief and prevent complications of infection.While individuals should be wary of self-diagnosis and treatments that are extremely difficult, attempting to remove or treat a foreign body in the eye may be attempted at home as a first defense against continued discomfort. If however, you are unable to adequately take care of the issue, seek the help and guidance of a medical professional.

Things You'll Need

• Lubricating eye drops
• Water
• Tissues or cotton swabs
• Warm washcloth

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Instructions

• 1

  Look at the eye in a mirror to see if you can identify the object that is causing discomfort. Try not to rub the eye, as this may cause additional irritation.

• 2

  Flush the eye by pouring warm water gently over the eye, holding it open to allow the water to flush out the substance. You may also try using water from a drinking fountain or a hose, but watch the pressure! Check the eye to see if the object is gone after 15 or 20 seconds of flushing. Some individuals also note success with the use of over-the-counter lubricating eye drops.

• 3

  Note whether or not you can still feel or see the object in your eye. If flushing with water didn't work, try using the tip of a tissue or a cotton swab to try to nab the offender. Watch what you put in your eye! Don't touch the actual eyeball with any object, and only use this method to try to remove specks that are located on the upper or lower eyelid. Don't use pressure, but merely touch the tissue or cotton swab to the speck and see if it will come out.

• 4

  Cover the eye with a warm compress to help relieve discomfort as well as to protect it from further injury. If you were not able to remove the object by yourself, seek the help of a medical professional.