Foreign objects that often enter the eye

1. Definition

Does that foreign object enter the eye?

This happens if the eye is wiped or has small objects ranging from strands of eyelashes and crust, to the sand, dust, facial scrub granules, and other small particles that can be blown into the eye.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Common signs of winking due to foreign bodies are redness, pain, and tears. Rubbing the eyes can cause the foreign body to scratch the cornea of ​​the eye, the outer membrane of the eye.

2. How to overcome it

What should I do?

First Aid For Broken Glass in the Upper Eyelid

Have your child look down and close his eyes as you blow his eyes to remove the broken glass that covers the eyelid. Certain pieces of glass can be removed by attaching insulation to the eyelid, and gently pulling. Rinse the eyelids with water to shed the remnants of broken glass. Cover your eyes with a damp cloth and immediately go to the doctor. Do not rub the eyes.

First Aid For Foreign Objects In Eyes

If the eye is wiped with a variety of foreign objects (such as dust or sand), clean the area around the eye with a wet cloth first. Then, ask your child to keep flashing slowly repeatedly as he immerses his face in a basin of water to shed the sand particles stuck to his eyes. If your child is too young to do this on your own, you can lay your child on his side and rinse his flickering eyes with a jar of warm water continuously for 5 minutes. Remind your child to always open his eyes during flushing, or ask someone else to help hold your child.

First Aid For Foreign Objects in the Corner of the Eye

If foreign particles stick to or settle to the corner of the eye, use a wet cloth, insulation, or damp cotton bud to remove the foreign object.

First Aid For Foreign Objects In The Lower Eyelid

Pinch the cheek, or pull the lower lid, slowly until the inner skin of the lower lid is visible. Wipe off foreign particles coming out of the lid using a damp cotton bud. If that doesn’t work, splash it with clean water while you hold the lower lid open.

First Aid For Foreign Objects In Upper Eyelid

If the particles are not visible, this object might stick inside the upper lid, where the foreign object is hiding. Have your child continue to blink slowly over and over as he immerses his face in a basin of water to shed the foreign particles attached to the eye. If you have eye drops or eyewash products, you can use one of them. If that doesn’t work, pull the lid upwards when the eyes close. That way, the lower lid will be able to pull the foreign particles out of the upper lid.

When should I see a doctor?

Call a doctor immediately, if

• Foreign particles are involved in the eyeball (especially the cornea)


• Fluid or bleeding from the eyeball


• Objects about the eye at high speed (for example, reflected out of a lawn mower)


• Sharp objects regarding the eyes


• The first aid you do doesn’t get rid of foreign particles in the eye and the sensation of itching and roughness doesn’t disappear


• Vision does not return to normal after the eyes have been rested for approximately one hour


• Foreign objects have been removed, but irritation and blinking last more than two hours


• While waiting in the doctor’s waiting room, cover your eyes with a damp cloth or bandage to relieve pain. If the movement of the eyeball causes pain, close both eyes.

3. Prevention

Protect the eyes is the best step. Most eye injuries, especially due to throwing foreign objects at high speed that can tear the eyeball, will cause loss of vision.

Always use eye protection when in a work environment that is at high risk of dust from large chunks or involving work at high speed causing foreign objects to burst.

Not only protect the front of the eye, a good eye protection must also protect the side of the eye. Ordinary glasses are not sturdy enough as eye protection when in a high-risk work environment. Use special glasses (goggles) that have side protectors.