What should I do if I get something in my eye?

First Aid for Something in the Eye

If you get something in your eye, immediately rinse the eye with copious amounts of water or saline solution for at least 15-30 minutes, especially if the foreign body is a chemical substance. 1, 2

Initial Management Based on Type of Foreign Body

For Non-Chemical Foreign Bodies (dust, eyelash, etc.):

• Do not rub the eye as this can cause further damage by embedding the foreign body deeper or causing corneal abrasion 2
• Allow natural tears to wash out the object or irrigate with clean tap water or commercial eyewash solution 2
• Consider taping a hard plastic eye shield, paper cup, or plastic cup over the eye to prevent unintentional touching or rubbing 2
• Take over-the-counter oral acetaminophen or NSAIDs for residual discomfort after foreign body removal if needed 2

For Chemical Exposures:

• Immediately rinse the eye with copious amounts of water (Class I, LOE C) 1
• Continue irrigation for at least 15-30 minutes, and up to two hours in cases of massive exposure 3
• Tap water is readily available, safe, and effective as the preferred initial irrigation fluid 3
• If available, warmed lactated Ringer's solution is theoretically preferable to normal saline as it has a more physiologic pH and osmolarity 3

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention for:

• Contact lens-related foreign body sensation 2
• High-velocity eye injuries (from grinding, nailing, etc.) 2
• Penetrating eye injury from a sharp or metal object 2
• Irregular pupil, eye bleeding, or vision loss after trauma 2
• Persistent foreign body sensation despite home treatment 2
• Any chemical exposure to the eye (after initial irrigation) 3

Special Considerations for Chemical Burns

• The severity of chemical eye injuries depends on the length of time the chemical remains in contact with the eye 4
• For alkali burns, prompt irrigation significantly improves clinical and ocular outcomes 5
• Buffered solutions with high buffer capacities are recommended for initial eye rinsing of chemical burns 6
• After initial first aid, an ophthalmologic referral is recommended for all but the most trivial chemical burns to the eye 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not delay irrigation for chemical exposures - immediate action is critical 4
• Do not rub the eye as this can worsen the injury 2
• Do not ignore persistent symptoms - seek medical evaluation 2
• Do not use milk or other substances for eye irrigation unless specifically advised by poison control or medical personnel 1