When Is GP Consultation Recommended for a Foreign Body in the Eye?

Dust, grit, an eyelash or a small fragment can sit beneath an eyelid and irritate the eye. Rubbing may scratch the clear front surface of the eye. A GP can check whether anything remains, look for a surface injury, and advise whether an eye specialist is needed. Contact lenses can increase irritation and should not be worn while the eye is painful, red or watering.

Wash your hands, remove contact lenses if they come out easily, and rinse the eye gently with clean lukewarm water or sterile saline. Blink several times during rinsing. Do not rub the eye, use tweezers, or try to remove an object that appears embedded. Avoid putting medicated drops in the eye unless a clinician has advised them. If symptoms remain after rinsing, arrange a GP consultation and avoid driving if vision is blurred.

Seek urgent medical care after a high-speed impact, chemical splash, penetrating injury, marked vision change, severe pain, strong light sensitivity, or inability to open the eye. Blood, a misshapen pupil, severe swelling or an object stuck in the eye also needs prompt assessment. For a chemical exposure, rinse continuously while arranging emergency help and follow the product safety instructions if available.

Ask whether the eye surface is scratched, whether you should stop contact lenses, which drops are suitable, and what change in pain, redness or vision should trigger urgent review. Tell the GP what entered the eye, how it happened and what rinsing you tried.