What is the treatment for a foreign body sensation in the eye?

Treatment for Foreign Body Sensation in the Eye

For a foreign body sensation in the eye, it is reasonable to attempt removal by allowing natural tears to wash out the object or by irrigating the eye with tap water or commercial eye wash solution if the foreign body is from a low-energy mechanism such as dust, dirt, or an eyelash blown into the eye by wind. 1

Initial Management

• Do not rub the eye - Rubbing can cause further damage by embedding the foreign body deeper or causing corneal abrasion 1
• Allow natural tears to wash out the object or irrigate with tap water/commercial eye wash solution for low-energy foreign bodies 1
• Tape a hard plastic eye shield, paper cup, or plastic cup over the eye to prevent unintentional touching or rubbing 1
• Take over-the-counter oral acetaminophen or NSAIDs to treat residual discomfort after foreign body removal 1

When to Seek Medical Attention

Immediate Medical Attention Required:

• Contact lens-related foreign body sensation - Remove the contact lens, discontinue use, and seek medical attention 1
• High-velocity eye injuries (from grinding, nailing, machinery) 1, 2
• Penetrating eye injury from a sharp or metal object 1, 3
• Irregular pupil, eye bleeding, or vision loss after trauma 1
• Persistent foreign body sensation despite home treatment 1

Causes of Foreign Body Sensation

Foreign body sensation can result from:

• Loose foreign bodies (eyelash, dust, sand) 1
• Foreign body embedded on corneal surface 1, 3
• Superficial corneal abrasion 1, 3
• Penetrating eye injury 1, 2
• Chemical injury 1
• Ultraviolet radiation exposure 1
• Eye inflammation or infection 1

Treatment Approach Based on Mechanism

Low-Energy Foreign Bodies:

1. Do not rub the eye 1
2. Allow natural tears to wash out the object or use gentle irrigation 1
3. Shield the eye to prevent touching 1
4. Take OTC pain medication if needed for discomfort 1

High-Energy/Embedded Foreign Bodies:

• Seek immediate medical attention 1, 2
• Foreign bodies embedded in the cornea typically require removal by a healthcare professional 1, 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Rubbing the eye - This can cause further damage by embedding the foreign body deeper or causing corneal abrasion 1
• Delaying medical care for high-velocity injuries, which can lead to serious complications 1, 2
• Attempting to remove embedded foreign bodies yourself - These often require specialized equipment and expertise 1, 4
• Ignoring persistent symptoms - Continued foreign body sensation requires medical evaluation 1

Special Considerations

• Workplace eye injuries are common, particularly from metal-on-metal impacts 2
• Protective eyewear should be used during activities with risk of eye injury 2
• Inert materials like glass or fiberglass may cause minimal inflammation initially but can still damage the eye 5