Removing something from the eye
something in my eye · foreign body in the eye · metal in the eye · eye debris removal
With numbing drops, the doctor finds and gently removes the particle from your eye. It usually takes a few minutes.
When dust, a metal chip, or another particle gets into your eye and will not wash out.
⏱ Duration: usually 10 to 20 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Do not rub. Do not rub your eye. It can scratch the cornea.
- Rinsing. You can rinse your eye with clean water. Do not try to remove the particle with anything sharp.
- Contact lenses. If you have a lens in, take it out with clean hands if you can.
What to bring
- Your ID
- Your glasses, if you wear them
- Someone to go with you, if you cannot see well
How it goes
- The doctor puts in numbing drops
- The eye is checked under a microscope
- Sometimes a dye is used to see scratches
- The particle is removed with a moist swab or a fine tool
- If a rust mark is left, it is removed too
- Medicated drops or ointment are put in
What you'll feel
- After the drops, it barely hurts
- When the drops wear off, it may feel like sand in the eye and sting
- The eye may water and be sensitive to light for a day or two
Afterwards
- Use drops or ointment as the doctor said
- Do not rub your eye or wear contact lenses until you are allowed
- If needed, come back for a check the next day
- Wear safety glasses when working with metal
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Pain does not go away or gets worse after a day
- Worse vision
- Pus or a white spot on the eye
- If a fast-flying fragment hit the eye, see a doctor right away. Call emergency services if the injury is severe
Common questions
Why shouldn't I rub my eye?
The particle can scratch the cornea and go deeper.
Should I see a doctor if it seems to have washed out?
Yes, if it still feels like something is there, the eye is red, or you see worse.