How Do You Protect Your Eyes from Foreign Objects?

From an unwanted eyelash entering the eye to those dust particles causing undesirable irritation, one may experience a variety of foreign objects in the eye. These foreign bodies may penetrate your eye and cause major injury or fade away with no long-term consequences.

Most people believe that getting something in your eye does not require a doctor's examination. However, a microscopic object in your eye can produce severe adverse effects. Research from NCBI has found that intraocular foreign bodies are present in 17%–40% of severe eye injuries and account for 3% of emergency room visits in the US. Therefore, it’s important to protect your eyes from these foreign objects.

Here is a guide to help you recognize the effects of foreign bodies in your eyes and seek the appropriate eye care to soothe irritation!

What Is Meant by a Foreign Body in the Eye?

Any object that enters the eye externally from its surroundings is referred to as a foreign object. It could be anything that doesn't belong there, from a speck of dust to a piece of metal. The cornea or conjunctiva would most likely be affected when a foreign item enters the eye. Although a foreign body that touches the front of the eye cannot travel behind the eyeball, it can scratch the cornea. These wounds are generally not catastrophic. However, some foreign particles can contaminate your eyes and harm your vision.  Avoid painful consequences by seeking timely urgent care and support.

Signs and Symptoms of a Foreign Object in the Eye

The existence of a foreign object in your eye will likely cause acute symptoms. You might experience:

• Sudden and severe eye pain is followed by heat and discomfort.
• Having the impression that something is in your eye
• Clear-and-red eyes
• A stinging sensation when blinking
• Loss of vision or blurriness in the concerned eye
• Intolerance of bright lights
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage, i.e., eye bleeding.

Common Causes of a Foreign Object in the Eye

Events that happen while carrying out daily tasks result in many foreign items getting into the eye's conjunctiva. The following are the most prevalent sorts of foreign objects in the eyes:

• Mucus-covered eyelashes
• Sawdust and sand
• Dirt or dust 
• Cosmetics
• Sawdust and Sand
• Glass fragments

Wind or falling debris causes dirt and sand bits to enter the eye. Explosions or accidents using objects like hammers, compressors, or lawnmowers can cause sharp objects like metal or glass to enter the eye.

Urgent or Emergency care for Foreign Objects in the Eye

Early detection and treatment of foreign objects in the eye can help prevent infection and possible vision loss. It is crucial in severe or intraocular situations.

Self-removal of a foreign object may result in severe eye injury. Get urgent care right away if the foreign particle is:

• Angular or rough in edges.
• Substantial enough to prevent you from closing your eye
• Includes chemicals
• Thrown at the eye with great force.
• Ingrained in the sight
• Causes bleeding

Physician Care for a Foreign Particle in the Eye

Contact your doctor if the foreign object in your eye causes any of the following conditions:

• You were unable to get rid of the foreign object at home.
• Your vision is still blurry or impacted even after the foreign item has been removed.
• Your tears, blinking, or swelling sensations continue unchanged.
• The condition continues to get worse despite having the foreign item out of your eye.

Recovery from a Foreign Object in the Eye

If you were successful in removing a foreign item from your eye, your eye may begin to appear and feel better in approximately one to two hours. Any considerable discomfort, redness, or tearing should go away during this time. A bothersome sensation or slight discomfort could linger for one or two days.

The outer cells of the eye quickly regenerate. Foreign object-induced corneal abrasions often heal in one to three days without infection. The risk of infection is higher if the foreign object is made of dirt, a twig, or another soil-containing material. Consult the doctor and seek appropriate eye care if symptoms appear to last forever.

How to Safeguard Your Eyes from Foreign Objects?

It might be challenging to foresee or steer clear of foreign objects in your eyes that could inadvertently enter your eye while performing routine tasks.

There is a higher likelihood that some types of work or play may emit airborne particles that could harm your eyes. When performing tasks that could expose you to airborne debris, it is best to use safety glasses or eye protection to avoid receiving a foreign object in your eye.

Always protect your eyes to avoid getting something in them when:

• Working using power tools, hammers, saws, or other implements
• Utilizing hazardous or toxic compounds
• Having exposure to dust

Get Immediate Eye Care at Metro Urgent Care

At Metro Urgent Care, we deliver high-quality, patient-focused reasonably priced treatments. As one of the top walk-in urgent care centers in Chicago, we assist you in easing your suffering and living a comfortable life! Schedule an appointment today and let our experts take you through a seamless recovery!