Getting a foreign object in the eye is one of the most common mishaps that can be experienced in daily life. We can say that this situation is very common, especially for those who work in environments with dense debris and burrs. So what should you do when you are faced with such a situation? How should we act to avoid eye damage?
Points to Consider in Case of Foreign Objects in the Eye
If you are faced with a foreign body in your own eye, the first thing to do is to blink calmly. Blink slowly and let the foreign body come out. If the foreign body has not come out, then you can try to remove the remains by washing your eye with warm water.
If you wear contact lenses, the foreign body in your eye may also be stuck to the lens surface. In such a case, you may also need to remove your lens. The important point here is to avoid forcing the eye to remove the foreign body. You should avoid rubbing your eye or removing the foreign body with another object.
If it is a burr or a similar physical foreign body that gets into your eye, if you rub it, this foreign body may damage or scratch your cornea. You may also face a bruising situation. If the object does not come out of your eye in the ways mentioned above, then you should consult a specialized doctor.
The Second Case, the Foreign Object May Be a Chemical
A foreign body in the eye is not a situation that can only be defined by physical parts. You may have a chemical substance, a liquid or a similar harmful foreign body in your eye. In this case, you should be much more careful. Let’s list what to do.
- Immediately Wash Your Eye with Plenty of Water: As soon as the foreign substance comes into contact with your eye, immediately wash your eye with plenty of water. Without forcing the eye or using a different object, just clean your eye with water.
- Avoid Rubbing Your Eye: Rubbing your eye can cause the foreign material to spread further on the surface of the eye. Rubbing can also cause damage to the cornea.
- Read the Chemical’s Warnings: The chemical in contact with the eye may have guidance on what to do if it comes into contact with the eye or face. Take these warnings into account.
Despite all these steps, it is important to remember that permanent damage can occur, especially if various chemicals come into contact with the eyes. The best thing to do here is to consult a specialist physician without wasting time.
