Foreign Bodies in the Eye: What You Need to Know

What to do when something gets in your eye — and why it’s important to seek professional help

Whether it’s a speck of dust, a shaving of metal, or a bit of garden debris, a foreign body in the eye can be more than just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous if not treated properly. At Christensen Harbison Optometrists, we regularly see patients with eye injuries caused by foreign bodies. Here’s what you should know about this common eye emergency and how we can help.

What Is a Foreign Body in the Eye?

A foreign body is any object that ends up in your eye but doesn’t belong there. This could be something as small as a grain of sand or as serious as a metal shard or glass fragment. Common areas where foreign bodies lodge include under the eyelid or directly on the surface of the eye.

These types of injuries are especially common in:

• Trades like metalwork, carpentry, and construction
• Gardening or mowing
• DIY or home repair jobs involving tools or machinery

Symptoms to Watch For

If you have a foreign body in your eye, you may experience:

• Sharp pain or stinging
• A gritty, scratchy feeling
• Watery or red eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred or reduced vision
• Difficulty keeping the eye open
• Bleeding into the white of the eye (in some cases)

Even if symptoms seem mild, it’s important to get your eye checked right away.

Why You Shouldn’t Remove It Yourself

Trying to remove a foreign body yourself — especially with fingers, tissues, or tools — can make things worse. You could scratch the cornea, push the object in deeper, or introduce infection.

Instead, visit your Optometrist or the emergency department if after hours. We have the proper tools and training to remove the object safely and assess any damage to your eye.

Treatment: What to Expect

When you come in, we will:

• Assess your vision and examine the eye closely
• Use anaesthetic eye drops to reduce discomfort
• Carefully remove the foreign body (if safe to do so)
• Flush the eye with sterile saline to remove dust or debris
• Check for scratches or rust rings (especially if metal was involved)
• In some cases, refer you to an ophthalmologist for further care

We may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to prevent infection, and pain relief if needed. Most minor injuries heal quickly with proper care.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Help

Call us or visit your local emergency department immediately if:

• Your pain or redness persists after removal
• Your vision becomes blurry or distorted
• Fluid (clear or bloody) is leaking from the eye
• The object hit your eye with force or may have pierced it

Caring for Your Eye at Home

After treatment:

• Avoid driving if your eye is patched — it can impair depth perception
• Take any prescribed medication as directed
• Use drops or ointment until your eye fully heals
• Avoid high-risk activities like using machinery or playing contact sports until cleared by your optometrist

How to Prevent Eye Injuries

The good news is that most foreign body injuries are preventable. Here’s how to protect your eyes:

• Always wear safety glasses or goggles when working with tools, grinding, drilling, or mowing
• Use eye protection in windy or dusty environments
• Avoid standing near others using power tools or lawn equipment
• Use sport-specific eyewear when playing high-speed sports like squash or tennis