Eye injury - Object

The eyes are the most sensitive and delicate organs in the body and are easily injured.

A foreign body is an object in your eye that shouldn't be there, such as dirt, a wood chip, metal shaving, an insect or a piece of glass. 

The common places to find a foreign body are under the eyelid or on the surface of the eye.

Read more about causes, signs and symptoms.

First aid for small objects

If someone has a major injury to the eye, follow the Eye injury - Major injury guide instead.

Call Triple Zero (000) if:

• You still have pain and watering after the object is gone
• Your vision is blurry, or there are blind spots
• Fluid is coming from your eyeball
• You are concerned for any other reason
  
  

If they have a small object in their eyes, such as dirt, slivers of wood or an insect, follow these steps.

Step 1: Rest and reassure

• Don't let the person rub their eyes
• Move them into a comfortable position facing a light
  
  

Step 2: Check the injury

• Wash your hands thoroughly and wear gloves if available
• Using your fingers, open the eyelid
• Get them to look right, left, down and up
  
  

Step 3: Flush the object out

• If you see something in their eye, get them to tilt their head to the side
• Start from the highest point and use clean water or saline to flush the eye
• Don't try to remove any objects with your fingers
  
  

Step 4: Apply dressing and monitor

• Apply an eye pad or soft dressing over the eye
• Make sure bandaging is loose around the eye
• If unsuccessful or symptoms worsen, place a medical pad over the eye and seek urgent medical attention