A foreign body is an object in your eye that shouldn't be there, such as a wood chip, metal shaving, insect or piece of glass. Don't try to remove it yourself. Seek urgent medical attention. Symptoms include pain, burning, irritation, a scratchy feeling, blurred vision, loss of vision, sensitivity to bright lights and bleeding into the white of the eye.
Eye injury – something in your eye
Eye injuries can occur when flying particles lodge in your eye. Some common examples include wood chips, metal filings, dust, insects and grain. This can occur while working in the workshop and during field activities, stock mustering or even playing sport!
DO NOT RUB YOUR EYE if you get something in it!
This may scratch your eye or embed the object. Flush the eye with clean water under a tap or with a bottle. If the particle does not rinse free after a few minutes, place a pad loosely over the eye and seek medical treatment. DO NOT attempt to remove an embedded foreign body from your eye; you may cause permanent damage to your eye.
References used for this topic page
More information:
North East Valley Division of General Practice
Clinical care:
Last reviewed:
15-November-2011
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