1. Don't rub your eye. Rubbing your eye can worsen the situation by further embedding the foreign object or causing scratches to the cornea.
2. Try to remove the object by gently flushing your eye with water. Stand near a sink or shower and let lukewarm water flow over your eye for several minutes. Blink your eye frequently to help dislodge the object.
3. If you are unable to remove the object with water, seek medical attention immediately. An ophthalmologist (eye doctor) will be able to safely remove the object and assess any damage to your eye.
4. Do not attempt to remove the object with tweezers or any other sharp objects. This could cause serious damage to your eye.
5. If the object is causing pain or discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage the symptoms.
6. Avoid wearing contact lenses until the foreign object has been removed and your eye has healed completely.
Seek immediate medical attention if the object:
- Is embedded in the eye
- Causes severe pain or discomfort
- Causes vision problems
- Is causing the eye to swell or become red
- Is a chemical or other hazardous material