Foreign Body in the Eye - Causes, Symptoms, and Complications

What Is Foreign Body in the Eye?

Any object that is present in the eye that does not belong to any part of the body and makes its way from the surrounding into the eye may be known as a foreign body in the eye. It is not a part of the eye. A foreign body can be anything from a dust particle to a piece of metal or wood and glass. A foreign body, once it enters the eye, can be found in the conjunctiva (it is the lining that protects the other parts of the eye) or the cornea (the transparent part of the eye that allows entry of the light), or it can be found under either of the eyelids. These layers provide protection and prevent foreign particles from going inside the eyes. However, foreign bodies can cause minor injuries or scratches. If left untreated can lead to infections that may even lead to vision loss.

What Are the Symptoms of a Foreign Body in the Eye?

The person may not feel the foreign body getting into the eye. If it is not noticed, then the possibility of a foreign body being inside the eye can be felt only through the symptoms. Some of the symptoms of a foreign body being present in the eyes include:

1. The feeling of something being present in the eye.

2. Feeling of irritation. This may persist even after washing the eyes.

3. Excessive blinking.

4. Watery eyes.

5. Constant rubbing of the eyes.

6. Burning sensation in the eyes.

7. The affected eye may appear red.

8. The pain in the affected eye.

9. However, if the foreign body penetrates the eye, it may even be associated with bleeding.

What Are the Various Causes of Foreign Body in the Eye?

A foreign body that enters the eye can be of any type. Some of them include the following:

1. A metal particle.

2. Small piece of wood.

3. Contact lenses.

4. Dried mucus that appears as a crust at the corners of the eyes.

5. Sand or dust particles.

6. Cosmetics that are applied to the eye.

7. Eyelashes.

8. Small pieces of glass.

What Are the Complications of Foreign Body in the Eye?

Most of the injuries are minor in nature. If treatment is taken at the right time, then its progression can be stopped. If left untreated, it may lead to complications such as:

1. Infections: When a foreign body settles in the eye, it can act as a niche for infection. Infective organisms can colonize around the bacteria leading to infection.

2. Rusting Around Metal Objects: At times, the metal particles can settle in the eye. The tears can interact with the foreign particle leading to rust formation.

3. Scratches and Abrasions: The cornea that acts as a protective covering of the eye can get scratched. This happens mostly in cases where a foreign body may be present under the eyelids. The continuous movement of the eyelids can cause scratching and abrasions on the cornea.

4. Recurrent Corneal Ulcerations: These are forms of abrasion that persistently continue to occur even after many years of injury.

5. Ulcers: Ulcers are scratches that do not heal. Ulcers can even progress to abscess formation if left untreated.

6. Penetration of the Eye: Foreign body, if fast-moving, can even penetrate the eye. Such objects can cross the cornea and enter the sclera.

7. Corneal Scarring: If the foreign body that has entered the eye has caused corneal scarring, it may even lead to visual impairment.

What to Do in an Emergency?

It is important to get immediate treatment when the person realizes that a foreign body has entered one's eye. The help of medical personnel should be taken at the earliest to avoid any complications due to the presence of a foreign body in the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as:

1. The foreign body may enter the eye.

2. The foreign body may cause infection.

When to Get an Immediate Treatment?

In all cases of foreign body incursion, it is important to get medical attention as early as possible. But immediate treatment should be provided at the earliest in cases where:

1. The foreign body has entered the eye. This can happen in case of accidents. Treatment at the earliest should be provided to avoid vision loss.

2. Bleeding from the eye.

3. Any chemical injury to the eye.

4. Any object that has entered the eye and it is causing difficulty in closing the eye.

What Is Treatment for Foreign Body in the Eye?

Once approaching the physician for a foreign body in the eye, the following steps may be taken to ensure the removal of the foreign body from the eye:

1. The physician will visualize the foreign object and its position with respect to the anatomy of the eye.

2. Eye drops may be given a numbing effect on the eye.

3. The physician may use any instrument to retrieve the object from the eye.

4. After the retrieval of the object, the physician may ask the patient to rinse the eyes with saline or any other liquid that he may deem necessary.

5. In case of injuries that have penetrated beyond the cornea, the doctor may suggest other tests that are necessary to rule out other complications.

6. An ophthalmologist may also visualize the eye under specific microscopes.

7. Antibiotics and painkillers may be given in the form of drops or tablets as the doctor may find necessary.

8. The doctor may call for a review after five to seven days to check for the healing of the eye.

How to Prevent Foreign Body From Getting Into the Eye?

1. By wearing protective eyewear.

2. In places where there is heavy dust, it is advisable to wear a face shield.

3. It is safe to practice hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water. Dust, sand, or metal particles may be stuck to the eye that can enter the eyes as foreign bodies.

Conclusion:

Though the foreign body that enters the eye may not cause a serious injury, it is still advisable to get medical attention at the earliest. A foreign body, if left untreated, can cause an infection that may even lead to vision loss. People who have an occupation that puts them at greater risk to these foreign bodies should take all precautions.