Object in the Eye, How to Remove

There are a couple of ways to safely remove an object from the eye. Do not try to remove : Any object made of metal. Any object that has punctured the eye. To remove a nonmetal object that is on the surface of the eye or inside the eyelid: Wash your hands before you touch the eye. Try to gently flush out the object with…

Object in the Eye, How to Remove

Object in the Eye, How to Remove

There are a couple of ways to safely remove an object from the eye.

Do not try to remove:

  • Any object made of metal.
  • Any object that has punctured the eye.

To remove a nonmetal object that is on the surface of the eye or inside the eyelid:

  • Wash your hands before you touch the eye.
  • Try to gently flush out the object with water.
  • 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.
  • Do not use tweezers, toothpicks, or other hard items to remove an object.

Credits

Current as ofJune 26, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Adam Husney, MD – Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine

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