As your local optometrist’s office, we understand how common it is to get something in your eye. One moment you’re working in the yard, and the next, you feel that familiar gritty sensation. Most of the time, an eyelash or a speck of dust is a minor annoyance that your eye handles on its own.
But what if it’s something more serious, like a splinter of wood, a metal shaving, or even a tiny piece of glass? If you have a sharp object in your eye, you should act quickly to protect your vision. Seeking help from your eye doctor is key to a good outcome.
Common Objects & Potential Problems
Many small objects can find their way into your eye. Everyday irritants often include dust, sand, makeup, or an eyelash. While these are certainly uncomfortable, your eye’s natural tearing response can often flush them out without any trouble.
More dangerous objects like glass, metal, or wood chips present a greater risk. These items can scratch the surface of your eye, leading to a painful corneal abrasion or ulcer. They can even sometimes get stuck in the tissue. If not handled correctly, this can lead to discomfort, infection, or even more serious vision problems.
Key Signs of a Potential Eye Injury
When something enters your eye, you may feel more than just a little irritation. It’s helpful to recognize the signs of a potential injury so you can take the right next steps. Keep an eye out for these clear indicators, which are common across many different types of eye emergencies:
- A persistent feeling that something is in your eye, even after you try to rinse it
- Pain, redness, or swelling in or around your eye
- Changes in your vision, such as blurriness
- Strong sensitivity to light
- Any discharge or excessive watering from the eye
First Steps for an Object in Your Eye
It goes without saying that preventing eye injuries at home is the best strategy, but when accidents happen, knowing what to do can help protect your sight. Your first reaction can make a big difference in the outcome. Try to stay calm, and follow these simple steps:
Safe Actions You Can Take at Home
- Wash your hands. Before you touch your face or eye area, make sure your hands are clean with soap and water.
- Try blinking. Blinking encourages your eye to produce tears, which may naturally flush out a small object like dust.
- Rinse with clean water. You can use a gentle stream of clean, lukewarm water to flush your eye from the inner corner to the outer corner.
Actions to Avoid That Can Cause More Harm
- Don’t rub your eyes. Rubbing can push an object deeper into your eye or cause a scratch on its surface.
- Don’t use tweezers or other tools. Never try to remove an object with sharp instruments, as you can cause serious damage.
- Don’t try to remove an embedded object. If you can see an object that is stuck in your eyeball, leave it alone and seek professional help immediately.
When to See an Eye Doctor in Longview
You can manage minor irritations at home, but some situations require eye emergency eye care. Knowing when to get help is the best way to support a positive result. This is when it’s time to visit your eye doctor in Longview for assistance.
What Qualifies as an Eye Emergency
You should seek immediate medical help if you experience any of the following situations:
- The object in your eye is made of glass, metal, or wood.
- You are feeling severe pain.
- You can see the object, but it is stuck in your eye.
- Your vision is blurry or otherwise affected.
- You are unable to open your eye.
- There is blood or unusual discharge from your eye.
Why You Should Not Wait
It’s natural to hope that an object will just work its way out over time. However, waiting can lead to complications like an infection or deeper scratches on your eye. A sharp object will not come out safely on its own and requires professional removal to prevent further harm.
What to Expect During Your Eye Care Visit
A visit to your optometrist for an eye injury might seem intimidating, but the process is straightforward and focused on your comfort. We’re here to make the experience as smooth as possible, much like what you would encounter during a comprehensive eye exam.
How a Professional Removes an Object Safely
An eye doctor uses special equipment, like a slit lamp, which is a type of microscope that gives a magnified view of your eye. This allows for the precise location of the foreign object. Then, sterile tools designed for eye care are used to gently remove the item.
Follow-Up & Aftercare
After the object is removed, we may suggest antibiotic eye drops or an ointment to prevent infection. You will also receive instructions on how to care for your eye as it heals. The healing time can be very quick for a minor scratch or take a bit longer for a more significant injury.
At Eyecare for East Texas, your vision and health are our priority. We believe in building relationships with our patients to help address their unique needs. If you experience an eye injury or have any concerns about your family’s eye health, please contact our office to schedule a visit.
