From the Guidelines
High-risk activities and certain types of injuries are the primary risk factors for a foreign body in the eye.
Risk Factors
- High-speed injuries, such as those from grinding or sharp objects, can cause significant injury to the globe, ranging from simple corneal abrasion to penetration injury to the anterior or posterior chamber of the eye 1
- Workplace injuries are a common cause of ocular foreign bodies 1
- High-velocity eye injuries, such as injuries from nailing or machinery, increase the risk of a foreign body in the eye 1
- Injuries from sharp or metal objects can also lead to a foreign body in the eye 1
Symptoms and Recommendations
- A person who sustains a high-velocity eye injury or has persistent foreign-body sensation in the eye should seek immediate medical attention 1
- Individuals who experience eye bleeding after trauma, loss of vision after trauma, or have an irregular pupil after trauma should also seek immediate medical attention 1
From the Research
Risk Factors for Foreign Body in the Eye
The risk factors for a foreign body in the eye can be categorized into several groups, including:
- Occupational hazards: Workers in certain industries, such as welding, grinding, and hammering, are at higher risk of corneal foreign bodies 2, 3
- Lack of protective eyewear: Failure to wear protective glasses or goggles can increase the risk of eye injuries, including foreign bodies 2, 4, 3
- Type of injury: Penetrating injuries, especially those caused by metallic foreign bodies, can increase the risk of complications, including infectious endophthalmitis 5
- Delayed treatment: Delayed primary repair of penetrating injuries can increase the risk of infectious endophthalmitis 5
- Patient characteristics: Older patients and those with certain types of injuries, such as firearm injuries, may be at higher risk of complications, including secondary retinal detachment 5, 6
Specific Risk Factors
Some specific risk factors for foreign body in the eye include:
- Working with metal or other materials that can cause eye injuries 4, 3
- Engaging in activities that increase the risk of eye injuries, such as sports or other high-risk activities 4
- Having a history of previous eye injuries or conditions, such as corneal scars 3
- Being male, as men are more likely to experience eye injuries, including foreign bodies 4, 3, 6
- Being between the ages of 10 and 39, as this age group is at higher risk of eye injuries, including foreign bodies 5