Corneal foreign body (eye foreign body)

Eyes | Ophthalmology | Corneal foreign body (eye foreign body) (Disease)


Description

If a patient has an object in their eye that shouldn’t be there it is called a foreign body, such as a speck of dust, wood chip, metal shaving, insect or piece of glass. The common places to find a foreign body are under the eyelid or on the surface of your eye.

The cornea is soft and many times the foreign object can become lodged in the cornea. If the foreign object is metal a rust ring can develop around the injury as well. If the foreign body and the rust ring is not removed a corneal scar can occur resulting in permanent vision loss.

Other symptoms of a foreign body in the eye include:

(1) Sharp pain in your eye followed by burning and irritation

(2) Watery and red eye

(3) Blurred vision or loss of vision in the affected eye

(4) Scratchy feeling when blinking

(5) Feeling that there is something in your eye

(6) Sensitivity to bright lights

(7) Bleeding into the white of the eye (subconjunctival haemorrhage).

Causes and Risk factors

Those most at risk are trades people such as woodcutters, fitters and turners, and boilermakers. Don’t try to remove a foreign body yourself.

Symptoms of an eye foreign body include eye pain, tearing and blurry vision. Most eye foreign bodies occur on the surface of the cornea. Those objects that enter the globe usually originate from a high-speed tool, such as a saw. An eye foreign body is one of the most common eye injuries.

Most injuries are minor and usually heal without further problems given the right care. Possible complications include: infection and scarring ; corneal scratches or abrasions ; ulcer – sometimes a scratch on the cornea doesn’t heal. A defect on the surface of your eye (ulcer) may form in its place. This could affect your vision. ; penetration of the eye ; corneal scarring.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Complete ophthalmologic exam using a slit lamp to rule out foreign identify the foreign body. Removal of the foreign body is mandatory. If a rust ring has developed it must be removed with an ophthalmic burr to prevent permanent scarring. Antibiotic drops and/or ointment are used to prevent infection. If the patients tetanus status is not up to date a DP (diphtheria / tetanus) booster may be given. ...