Object in a child's eye: Overview
It is common for a speck of dirt or a small object, such as an eyelash or an insect, to get in the eye. Usually tears wash the object out. But the speck can scratch the surface of the eye (cornea).
If the eye surface is scratched, it can feel as if something is still in the eye. Most surface scratches are minor and heal on their own in a day or two.
The doctor probably removed any objects which may have been found during the exam. Even if the object was removed by the doctor during your child's exam, you may still be referred to an eye specialist to make sure there aren't any small pieces deep in your child's eye.
Removing an object from an eye
These tips can help you remove an object from the eye. If you are caring for a child who can't hold still, have another adult help you.
- Wash your hands before touching the eye.
- Don't rub.
Don't rub the eye since this can scratch the outer surface (cornea) of the eye. You may have to keep small children from rubbing their eyes.
- Remove contacts.
If you wear contact lenses, take your contacts out before you try to remove the object or flush the eye.
- Check the location.
- If an object is over the dark center (pupil) of the eye or over the colored part (iris) of the eye, you may try to flush it out gently with water. If the object does not come out with flushing, wear dark glasses and call your health professional. Do not put any pressure on the eye.
- If the object is on the white part (sclera) of the eye or inside the lower lid, wet a cotton swab or the tip of a twisted piece of tissue and touch the end of it to the object. The object should cling to the swab or tissue. Some minor irritation is common after you have removed the object in this way.
- Often the object may be under the upper eyelid and can be removed by lifting the upper lid away and gently flushing the eye with cool water. A clean eyedropper may help.
- Use caution.
Do not try to remove a piece of metal from your eye, an object that has punctured the eye, or an object stuck on the eye after flushing with water.
- Avoid these.
Never use tweezers, toothpicks, or other hard items to remove any object. Using these items could cause eye damage.
How to Remove an Object From the White Part of the Eye
If the object is on the white part of the eye or inside the lower lid, wet a cotton swab or the tip of a twisted piece of tissue and touch the end to the object. The object should cling to the swab or tissue. Some minor irritation is common after you have removed the object in this way.
Object in a child's eye: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child suddenly cannot see or can barely see.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has signs of infection in the eye, such as:
- Yellow, green, bloody, or watery discharge from the eye.
- Increasing redness of the eye or eyelids.
- A gray or white sore on the eye.
- Light hurts the eye.
- Your child has blurry vision that does not clear when blinking.
- Your child has pain in or near the eye.
- Your child says that it feels like sand is in the eye when blinking.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child's eye is not better after 1 to 2 days.
- Your child has any new symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or a change in vision.
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