EYE, FOREIGN BODY IN |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Imbedding of a small speck of lime, stone, sand, paint or other foreign material in the eye. This is particularly likely to occur in athletes who cycle, box, wrestle, or play football, soccer or any other field event.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Severe pain, irritation and redness in the eye.
Foreign body visible with the naked eye (usually). Sometimes the foreign body is small, trapped under the eyelid and invisible except with medical examination.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Windy weather.
Sports activity in which the eye may come into contact with any foreign material.
HOW TO PREVENTWear protective eye coverings if possible.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor. This may include staining the eye with a harmless dye (flourescein) to outline the object and examine the eye through a magnifying lens.
SURGERYNecessary only for deeply imbedded particles.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSMost objects can be removed simply under local anesthesia in a doctor's office or emergency room.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Infection, especially if the foreign body is not removed completely.
Severe, permanent vision damage caused by penetration of deeper eye layers.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTDoctor's or emergency-room care to remove the particle (sometimes).
HOME TREATMENT
Ask someone else to drive you to the doctor's office. Don't try to drive.
Don't rub the eye.
Keep both eyes closed, if possible, until you are examined.
To protect your eye from bright light, wear an eye patch or dark glasses for 24 hours after treatment.
Use moist compresses to relieve discomfort after removal. Prepare by folding a clean cloth in several layers. Dip in warm water, wring out slightly and apply to the eye. Dip the compress often to keep it moist. Apply the compress for 1 hour, rest 1 hour and repeat.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
Antibiotic eyedrops or ointment to prevent infection or to dilate the pupil.
Pain relievers.
Local anesthetic eyedrops.
ACTIVITYResume your normal activities gradually after removal of the foreign body and the patch, if one is applied.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have a foreign body in the eye.
The following occurs after removal:
Pain increases or does not disappear in 2 days.
You develop a fever.
Your vision changes.
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