Dr. Nguyen Duc Huy, a Specialist Level I in high-tech ophthalmology at Tam Anh General Clinic District 7, notes that foreign objects entering the eye are a common daily occurrence. These can range from dust, insects, and sand to more serious items like metal fragments or wood. Improper handling can lead to corneal abrasions, inflammation, and potentially long-term vision impairment. Dr. Huy outlines the steps for managing a foreign object in the eye.

Stay calm and avoid rubbing your eye

According to Dr. Huy, many people instinctively rub their eye vigorously when a foreign object enters it. This action, however, can scratch the cornea or push the object deeper. When experiencing a gritty sensation, stinging, or sharp pain, remain calm, avoid excessive blinking, and absolutely refrain from rubbing your eye with your hand.

Wash your hands before treatment

Before touching your eye, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and clean water. Dirty hands can introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.

Observe the foreign object

If you are alone when a foreign object enters your eye, stand before a mirror and gently pull your upper and lower eyelids to locate it. Often, the object is a small dust particle on the conjunctiva or eyelid surface. If it is clearly visible and not sharp, you can proceed with safe removal steps.

Dr. Huy treats a foreign object in a man's left eye. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital*

Rinse your eye with clean water

Dr. Huy advises that for small foreign objects like dust or sand, blinking several times may allow natural tears to flush the object out. If this doesn't work, rinse your eye with clean water or a 0,9% physiological saline solution. When rinsing, tilt your head towards the affected eye, gently open it, and allow the water to flow from the inner corner outwards, preventing the object from contaminating the other eye.

Remove the foreign object with clean gauze if necessary

If the foreign object remains on the surface, use a clean, soft gauze pad or a moistened cloth to gently touch and lift it out. Never use hard objects, sharp tools, or dry cotton swabs, as these can easily damage the cornea.

Do not self-treat dangerous foreign objects

If the foreign object is a piece of metal, glass, wood, or any sharp object, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Furthermore, if you experience severe eye pain, continuous tearing, intense redness, blurred vision, or bleeding, gently cover the eye with clean gauze and seek immediate medical attention at an ophthalmology specialist facility. Self-treatment in these situations can worsen eye damage.

Follow up after foreign object removal

Dr. Huy cautions that if a gritty sensation, burning pain, redness, or unclear vision persists after the foreign object is removed, visit an ophthalmology department for an examination. This helps check for corneal abrasions or infection. A doctor may prescribe appropriate eye drops to support recovery.

While a foreign object in the eye might seem minor, improper handling poses significant risks. Following correct first aid procedures and knowing when to seek professional medical help are crucial steps to protect your vision and prevent unwanted complications.

Nhat Minh