How effective is GP consultation for a foreign body in the eye?

A GP will ask what entered the eye, how fast it was travelling, whether vision changed and whether contact lenses are worn. They may examine the eyelids and eye surface for a visible particle, scratch or signs of inflammation. Tiny particles can sometimes be rinsed away, but an object embedded in the eye, a sharp fragment or a high-speed impact needs urgent specialist assessment. Persistent gritty pain after removal can reflect a corneal abrasion.

Do not rub, press or use tweezers on the eye. Wash your hands, remove contact lenses if they come out easily, and rinse with clean lukewarm water or sterile saline. Avoid trying to remove an object that appears stuck. Do not drive if vision is blurred. Keep any protective eyewear or the object that caused the injury available for the clinician to identify.

Seek emergency eye care for reduced vision, severe pain, marked light sensitivity, bleeding, an irregular pupil, a chemical splash, or an object that remains embedded. A high-speed metal fragment is urgent even if discomfort seems mild. For chemical exposure, rinse continuously with clean water while arranging emergency help and do not delay to find a GP appointment.

Ask whether the surface is scratched, whether you need specialist examination, which drops are safe, when to restart contact lenses, and what worsening symptoms require urgent review.