Complications Due To Presence of A Foreign Body In The Eye

What Is A Foreign Body In The Eye?

Most of the time when we start having an itchy sensation in the eye. It usually happens when we have rubbed our eyes too strongly, or have been out on a windy day without any eyeglasses on. While taking a closer look at the eye, we can see a lost eyelash or a small particle in the eye. This article can be removed easily by the person itself or by assistance from someone else. One may need not go to an ophthalmologist for such a small issue.

But at times, the eye may be invaded by particles that can harm it to a great level. While handling a sharp object, a small metal part may enter your eye or a harmful object may get pierced in the eye. Accidents like this can happen to anyone, even when one is taking precautions.

So, an outside particle that enters the eye is known as a foreign body. And its presence can result in several kinds of eye ailments. Mostly, a foreign body enters the eye when one is working in an environment, where there is exposure to small flying debris without any protective gear for the eye.

Symptoms of A Foreign Body In The Eye

The part of our sensory organs which enables us to see the sunset, the fireworks in the night sky, the moon and stars shining brightly over our heads, and most importantly our loved ones is our eye. Being such a pivotal part of the body, the eyes have to be taken care of properly. They also happen to be the most sensitive part of our body. Even a light rub on the eye by a finger can cause irritation or redness.

Even though ophthalmology has gained tremendous success in the past decade but a lot of eye problems are still persistent. And sometimes the presence of a foreign body in the eye can cause huge problems. the symptoms that you may have a foreign particle in the eye-

• Sharp pain in the eye followed by a burning and itchy sensation in the eye.
• A feeling that something which has gone in the eye is rolling from one side to another.
• To have a scratchy feeling in the eye every time you blink.
• To have a blurred vision.
• Bleeding in the sclera [white portion of the eye].
• Blood layering on the cornea of your eye [the clear outer layer of the eye].

Prevention of A Foreign Body From Entering The Eye?

You can easily protect your eyes by following below measures:

• Always wear eye protection gear when working in an environment with flying debris.
• Cover the eye when piercing a nail in the wall or wherever there is work being done that requires hitting metal.
• Wear glasses when going out on a windy day.
• Always rinse your eyes whenever you feel a scratchy sensation.
• Make a habit of rinsing the eye at least 4 times a day.
• Never rub your eyes whenever you feel something while blinking. Rinse it and look at the mirror to remove the debris.

How To Remove A Foreign Body From Eye

• To get rid of the scratchy sensation in there, the usual treatment is an antibiotic eye drop and a painkiller tablet. If the foreign body is large then it may be removed by a patch.
• Any noticed scratch or damage on the iris, lens, or sclera may require surgery.
• A broken eyeball may require surgery by an ophthalmologist.
• If there is visible blood between the cornea and the iris and still no injury is noted, then there may be a requirement for specialized treatment by the ophthalmologist.
• Depending on the severity of the injury, one may have to keep visiting the ophthalmologist for a minimum of one week for total recovery.
• Make sure to follow up on your treatment with the ophthalmologist as it ensures a speedy and effective treatment.

Home Remedies For Removing A Foreign Body From The Eye

Minor debris in the eye can be cured at home if one follows the right direction. If there is large debris in the eye and even after assistance it doesn’t come out, one has to seek medical help. If one is wearing eye lenses or any kind of eye make-up, it should all be removed before trying to remove the debris from the eye.

The following directions can be followed for treating an emission by a foreign body at home:

• Start by rinsing your eye with saline water [use the same solution as used for keeping the lenses]. One can also use tap water or distilled water if no saline water is available.
• Rinsing under the shower can be the best way to rinse as the flow of the water is high. Hence, the debris can come out of the eye very easily.
• Cup your hands and stand over the sink and let the water flow over the eye for some time.
• Take a glass of water and hold it to the eye. Then keep tipping your head up and down while putting the glass over it.
• Try to get the foreign body out of the eye by pulling down the lower eyelid, and use the index finger to remove the foreign body.
• If the foreign body is too small to be removed by a finger. Then you can use a cotton ball or tissue to get it out.
• When one is not sure about doing it the right way, visit an ophthalmologist and cover the eye till that time.
• If one is not able to remove the foreign body even after assistance or still feels an itchy sensation in the eye. Then seek medical help immediately.

Precautions To Take After Removal of A Foreign Particle

The follow-up after removal of the foreign body is as important as the treatment for removing it. One has to be careful and keep covering the eye for over a few weeks if the removal of the foreign body has required surgery.

Even if the foreign body was small and has been removed by utilization of certain home remedies, one needs to take the given precautions after the removal:

• After the removal of the foreign body, the eye may be red and still have a burning sensation. There is no need to worry about it, keep rinsing the eye at least 8-10 times a day.
• Do not rub the eye or put pressure on it. Try to be away from the screen for at least a minimum of 5 hours.
• If one has had surgery for the removal of a foreign body, try to avoid pressure on the eye and avoid any kind of electronic screen for a minimum of 3 days.

“Precaution Is Always Better Than Cure.” Your eyes are the reason you are able to look at the wonderful sights of nature and your family. They are too sensitive and hence, require a lot of care.

Follow the right precautions and in case of any accidents, take the right steps.

Be Wise, Stay Safe!

The best way to treat your eyes is to visit your eye care professional and get your eyes checked regularly. He will be able to assess the best method of treatment for your eye ailment.

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