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Foreign Body In Eye
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A foreign body in the eye can be potentially dangerous if not removed. They fall into the category of either superficial foreign body which tend to stick to the front of the eye or get trapped under the eyelid; OR penetrating foreign body which are usually high impact, penetrate the outer layer (cornea or sclera) and enter the eye. Superficial foreign body are usually not serious, however penetrating foreign body requires immediate attention and treatment. Permanent loss of vision may occur even if treated immediately.

Symptoms

Steps
1   Ask the person not to rub the eye and try not to blink as this may cause more damage.
2   Use an emergency eye bath if available.
3   If the eye bath is not available tilt the person’s head sideways and rinse with copious amounts of running warm water.
4   Avoid using Q-tips, gauze or tweezers to remove or wipe away any foreign body, this may cause more damage.
5   If this does not work, ask the person to look up and then pull down the lower lid and, if you can see the foreign object, remove it gently with the rolled, damp corner of a clean handkerchief or tissue, or with a moistened swab.
6   If none of this works, cover the affected area with an eye pad and seek medical aid.
Warnings
Make sure to incline the person’s head away from the unaffected eye so that the water drains away over the cheek.
Tips
Make sure the water, handkerchief, tissue, and swab if used are all clean and/or sterile
If the injury occurs while working with glass or metal filings, seek medical attention immediately and let the medical staff know the details surrounding the injury.

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