A speck of dirt or small object
in the eye will often wash out with your tears. If the object is not removed,
it may scratch the eye (corneal abrasion). Most corneal abrasions are minor
and will heal on their own in
1 to 2 days.
When an object is thrown forcefully
into the eye (e.g., from a machine),
it is likely that the eyeball will be punctured and emergency care will be
needed.
Wash your hands before touching the eye.
Don't rub the eye; you could scratch the cornea. You
may have to restrain a small child to keep the child from rubbing his
or her eye.
Do not try to remove an object that is on the coloured
part of the eye or stuck in the white of the eye. Call a health professional.
If the object is at the side of the
eye or on the lower lid, moisten a cotton swab or the tip of a twisted
piece of tissue and touch the end to the object. The object should cling
to the swab or tissue. Some minor irritation is common after you have
removed the object.
Gently wash the eye with cool water. An eyedropper helps.
Never use tweezers, toothpicks, or other hard items to
remove an object from the eye. Eye damage may result.
Call 911 or seek emergency care
if the eyeball seems to be punctured.
Call your doctor:
If the object is on the coloured part of the eye or is
embedded in the eye. Do not pull out an object that is stuck in the
eye.
If you cannot remove the object.
If pain is severe or persists; if it feels like there
is still something in your eye; if your eye is sensitive to light; or
if your vision is blurred after the object has been removed. Your cornea
may be scratched. Keep your eye closed.