In rare situations where an object penetrates the eye, there may be few or no symptoms. If you have no symptoms, but suspect an object may have penetrated your eye, seek medical attention. The entry point of an intraocular foreign body is sometimes nearly invisible. Depending on their location, foreign bodies inside the eye may or may not cause pain or decreased vision.

DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS The evaluation includes vision testing along with careful examination of the surface of the eye with a slit lamp microscope. When a superficial foreign body is suspected, the upper lid should be gently turned up to check underneath for trapped particles. If the foreign body is difficult to see even with a microscope, the doctor may instill a drop of fluorescein dye to highlight the area.

An examination inside the eye with ophthalmoscopy may also be indicated depending on the severity of the injury.

TREATMENT If a foreign object becomes embedded within the cornea, conjunctiva, or sclera, a medical professional must remove it. Attempting to remove it yourself is dangerous and could result in a permanent scar that could affect your vision.

Superficial foreign bodies are usually treated in the office. After numbing the eye with topical anesthetic, the particle is carefully removed using a microscope. Afterward, antibiotic medications are generally prescribed to prevent infection. In some cases, foreign bodies become trapped underneath the eyelid. It is extremely important to examine under the eyelid for any remnant particles.

Intraocular foreign bodies typically must be removed in the operating room using a microscope and instruments designed for working inside the eye. These injuries are often vision threatening and should be treated quickly.

Wearing appropriate safety glasses is the best way to prevent this type of injury. Protecting the eyes is important when working with machinery that could cause chips of wood or metal to splinter, as well lawn equipment such as hedge and line trimmers.

If a particle of wood, glass, metal or any other foreign substance becomes trapped in your eye, here are some tips:
• Do not touch or rub your eye!
This can embed the object more deeply, making it more difficult to remove.
• Keep your eye closed
Blinking also increases the irritation
• Do not try to remove the object yourself.
This is very dangerous and may make the problem worse.
• Seek professional help immediately.
• Tell your doctor what you were doing at the time of the injury, or what materials you may have been working with.