Does foreign body in the eye cause light sensitivity?

A speck of dust, grit, eyelash, or other material can irritate the surface of the eye. The resulting surface inflammation may cause watering, blinking, a scratchy sensation, redness, and discomfort in bright light. A small surface injury can remain after the object has gone, so symptoms that persist deserve attention. Light sensitivity with vision change can signal a deeper injury.

Do not rub or press the eye, and remove contact lenses. Wash your hands, then rinse the eye gently with clean lukewarm water or sterile saline. Blink several times and allow tears to clear loose material. Do not use tweezers or try to remove an object that is embedded. Avoid driving if vision is blurred or light is difficult to tolerate.

Arrange urgent assessment for reduced or blurred vision, severe pain, marked light sensitivity, persistent foreign-body sensation after rinsing, bleeding, chemical exposure, or an injury from metal, glass, or a high-speed object. Seek emergency help if the eye looks penetrated or you cannot open it. Do not delay assessment because the redness seems mild.

Ask whether the corneal surface is scratched, whether you should use drops or avoid contact lenses, and what changes should trigger another examination.