Foreign Body in the Eye: What to Do and When to See an Eye Doctor in Kew Gardens, NY
A foreign body in the eye is any object or particle that enters and becomes trapped on or inside the eye. Common foreign bodies include dust, dirt, wood splinters, metal shavings, glass fragments, sand, or other debris. These eye injuries frequently occur in workplaces, during home improvement projects, while playing sports, or when working outdoors.
Although some small particles can be safely flushed from the eye, others can cause serious damage if not treated promptly. If you experience a foreign body in your eye, it's important to seek professional eye care as soon as possible. At AJ Kew Gardens Optical, our experienced eye doctors provide comprehensive eye exams and evaluate eye injuries for patients throughout Kew Gardens, NY and the surrounding communities.
What Should You Do If You Get Something in Your Eye?
If a small particle enters your eye, follow these steps immediately:
Flush the Eye:
Locate the nearest eyewash station if you're at work. If one isn't available, gently rinse your eye with artificial tears, sterile saline solution, or clean running tap water for up to 15 minutes. Continuous flushing often removes dust, dirt, or other loose debris.
Remove Contact Lenses:
If you're wearing contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly before removing them. Contacts can trap debris against the surface of the eye, making irritation worse.
Check Under Your Eyelids:
Blink several times and gently pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid. Your natural tears may help wash the particle away.
Protect the Eye:
If the object has been removed but your eye still feels irritated or scratched, avoid rubbing it. Cover the eye loosely with a clean dressing and schedule an evaluation with your eye doctor to rule out a corneal abrasion or infection.
What NOT to Do
If you suspect a foreign body in your eye:
Do not rub your eye.
Do not try to remove an object that is embedded in the eye.
Do not apply pressure to the eye.
Do not use tweezers, cotton swabs, or other tools to remove debris.
Do not continue wearing contact lenses until your eye has been examined.
These actions can make an eye injury significantly worse.
Signs of a Serious Eye Injury
Some eye injuries require immediate emergency medical attention. If an object becomes deeply embedded in the cornea or penetrates the eye, it may be considered an open globe injury.
Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
Sudden, severe eye pain
Blurred or double vision
Blood in the white of the eye
A misshapen or irregular pupil
An object visibly embedded in the iris or pupil
Significant vision loss
Persistent bleeding or fluid leaking from the eye
If you notice any of these symptoms, do not flush the eye or attempt to remove the object. Instead, protect the eye with a rigid shield if available and go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
When Should You See an Eye Doctor?
Even if your symptoms improve after flushing your eye, you should schedule an eye examination if you continue to experience:
Eye redness
Pain or discomfort
Excessive tearing
Light sensitivity
Blurred vision
The feeling that something is still in your eye
A comprehensive eye exam can identify scratches on the cornea, hidden foreign bodies, or infections that may not be visible without specialized equipment.
Foreign Body Eye Care at AJ Kew Gardens Optical
At AJ Kew Gardens Optical, we understand that eye injuries can happen unexpectedly. Our experienced optometrists provide comprehensive eye evaluations to determine the extent of your injury and recommend the appropriate next steps. Whether you have debris in your eye, persistent irritation, or concerns after a workplace eye injury, we're here to help protect your vision.
If you've experienced a foreign body in your eye and need an experienced eye doctor in Kew Gardens, NY, contact AJ Kew Gardens Optical today to schedule an evaluation. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and preserve your long-term eye health.
Book Your Appointment Today
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with the trusted optometrists at AJ Kew Gardens Optical. Whether you need a routine vision exam, contact lens fitting, or treatment for an eye concern, we're here to help you see your best.