Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
Font Size
A
A
A

Foreign Body, Eye Treatment

Call 911 if:

  • The foreign body in the eye is sharp or is stuck in the eye or is sticking out of the eyelid.
  • Something hit the eye at a high rate of speed or with force.
  • The person has pain or a change in vision.

1. Remove Foreign Body

Don't try to remove a large object or one that is deeply stuck in the eye. For small particles or something under the upper eyelid:

  • Clean around the eye with a wet washcloth if there are many particles.
  • Rinse the eye with a saline solution or clean water. Or place the affected side of the face in a pan of water; then have the person open and close the eye repeatedly to wash it out.

For something in the corner of the eye or under the lower lid:

  • If the object is under the lid, pull down the skin above the cheek bone.
  • Remove the item with the corner of a damp cloth or moistened cotton swab.

 

2. See a Health Care Provider

Get medical help if the person:

  • Still feels like there's something in the eye
  • Has abnormal sensation or pain or has changes in vision
  • Continues tearing after you wash out the eye
  • Has a cloudy spot on the cornea

 

3. Follow Up

  • The health care provider will examine the eye.
  • The person may be referred to an eye specialist.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

View Article Sources Sources
Reviewed by David M. Walker, MD on November 07, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

FIRST AID A-Z

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD the app

Get first aid information. Whenever. Wherever... with your iPhone, iPad or Android.

Find Out More