Health Information
Corneal Foreign Body
Date：2024-02-29Signs and Symptoms
Sometimes, one can look directly at the eye and see the foreign object embedded in the cornea. However, it is the feeling of something in your eye that will not wash out that typically suggests you may have a corneal foreign body, plus any or all of the following:
- Sharp pain
- Burning
- Scratchy feeling
- Excessive tearing
- Blurred vision or vision loss
- Redness of the eye
- Blood on the white of the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty opening the eye
Self-Care Guidelines
As with corneal abrasions and recurrent erosion of the cornea, self-care includes:
- Never rubbing the involved eye at any time.
- Using artificial tears to bathe the eye.
- Using clean water to gently rinse the eye.
- Using sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity.
- Trying to keep the eye shut after gentle rinsing.
- Gently removing a contact lens, if present, and leaving it out until the eye is healed.
Remember that taking precautions like wearing protective eyewear will significantly reduce your risk of corneal foreign body.
When to Seek Medical Care
All children with a suspected corneal foreign body need medical evaluation. Adults should seek medical attention if self-care measures have not helped or if: - The suspected foreign body is metal, plant, or wood, especially if it came in contact with the eye with significant velocity.
- You or an observer can see the object still embedded in the cornea.
- There is persistent pain that is increasing.
- There is progressive worsening of vision or initial significant loss of vision.
- There is any bleeding, either on the surface of the eye or around the eye.
- There is mucoid, pus, or bloody discharge.
- Symptoms persist beyond 24 hours despite having already removed the foreign body.