Instructions on how to remove foreign objects in the eye

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Vu Huu Thang - Resuscitation - Emergency Doctor - Emergency Resuscitation Department - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.

Foreign bodies in the eye are very diverse, including: dust, insects, sand grains, plants, ... Foreign bodies can be located in the cornea, conjunctiva or even penetrate the eyeball. Therefore, depending on the level of damage, there are different solutions. Rubbing your eyes can make the condition worse causing vision loss, eye infections, corneal damage,...

Blink quickly When you feel dust in your eyes or other foreign objects, the natural reflex of your eyes will be to blink. Blinking quickly removes the foreign body, and tears can wash away the foreign body.
Avoid rubbing your eyes Just this small action can be dangerous to your eyes. Rubbing your eyes can accidentally push a foreign object deep into the eye, even hitting the cornea. In some severe cases, permanent eye damage can result in blindness and pain.

Using eye drops to wash away foreign bodies There are many types of eyewash solutions on the market today. Most of them are intended to be used by instilling the solution directly into the eye.
Wash with water You should use a washing cup, clean your eyes with clean water to remove foreign objects in your eyes. In case you don't have an eyewash cup, you can use a small bowl or cup to hold water, then pour the water into your eyes. Also, keep your eyes under slow running water or a shower to get rid of the foreign body faster.
Use a cotton swab or a clean towel corner Use your hand to gently lift the eyelid, then insert the tip of the cotton swab into the back of the eyelid in combination with rolling the iris. Check the cotton swab to see if the foreign body is removed.
Use a cotton swab or the corner of the towel to gently wipe by dabbing up and down, absolutely do not wipe all over the eyes. However, to protect the cornea, you should look in the opposite direction from the location of the foreign body, so use a cotton swab and a white towel to easily check after each wipe.
Get help from outsiders: Have someone else remove the foreign body in the eye, hold the eyelids in combination with eye roll so they can see the entire surface.

Foreign objects larger than dust particles have a very high risk of eye damage, when it is necessary to seek help from medical personnel. If a sharp, large object enters the eye causing bleeding and severe pain, it is necessary to see a doctor. It is necessary to carefully observe the changes of the eyes, especially the color, bleeding, abnormalities in the eye, decreased vision, discharge from the eye.
For foreign bodies such as glass fragments, nails, ... need to be handled by a medical professional. If the foreign body is inside the eye, minor surgery is needed to remove it. In this case do not attempt to remove the foreign body on your own, as this can make the port situation more dangerous.

Before going to the doctor, you should use a clean gauze bandage to cover your eyes. Do not use your fingernails to touch your eyes, especially your pupils. Before touching your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid infection or irritation. . This applies to both the support person. In case of eye contact with chemicals, it is necessary to wash the eyes for at least 10-15 minutes and go to the emergency room as quickly as possible. Absolutely do not use tweezers or other tongs to remove the foreign body. Objects in the eye this is very easy to hurt your eyes The eye is a very sensitive part of the human body, so when performing foreign object removal in the eye should be very careful. It is best to go to medical facilities and get help from a doctor to avoid unfortunate consequences.
Eye Specialist - Vinmec International General Hospital specializes in receiving and treating all common eye problems. All examination procedures at the hospital are always performed by a team of qualified doctors, combined with modern equipment. Therefore, customers can be assured of Vinmec medical quality.