Foreign Objects in the Eye (HB)
A foreign object in the eye can be anything from sand blown by the wind to debris stirred up while cutting logs with a chainsaw.
Foreign debris in the eyes or ears can be very serious and can lead to permanent damage.
You may or may not be able to see the object. A small magnifying glass can help see small objects.
Signs and Symptoms
You will see redness and tearing as the eye tries to remove the object itself. The patient may complain of irritation.
Red Flags
If the patient’s vision is impaired or if there is an object impaled the condition is high-risk. If the contamination was from a chemical, the patient should also be evacuated.
Treatment
DO NOT REMOVE IMPALED OBJECTS IN THE EYE.
Attempt to flush the eyes with clean water. Allow the patient to keep their eyes closed to help potentially move the object to the corners of the lids. This allows them to be pushed out.
If the foreign object has scratched the lens of the eye, the patient may feel like the foreign object is still there even after irrigating. This can be prevented by instructing the patient to not rub their eyes.
Do not patch both eyes unless both eyes are affected—this creates a transport issue. With the unaffected eye, you can put a blinder to the outside of the head—this will help remind the patient to look forward and not look around. Keeping eyes forward is especially important for Impalements.
If the source was from a chemical contamination, flush with copious amounts of water.