# Foreign Body Removal- Eye (Superficial)

## Overview

This module describes how to remove superficial foreign bodies from the eye.

## Indications

## Contraindications

## Patient information and consent

Always verify your patient’s identity and obtain informed consent before proceeding.

### How do I explain this procedure?

“There is a foreign object stuck on the surface of your eye and I need to remove it.”

### What can my patient expect?

“I’ll give you an eye drop to reduce pain, and then we’ll rinse your eye with lots of water. It will be uncomfortable. Then I will try to remove the object by scooping it up with a cotton bud or the side of a needle. I will not stick the needle into your eye. If I can’t get the object out, I’ll call the ophthalmologist to help. ”

### What is my patient’s role?

“Let me know if you’re allergic to anything. It is important that you try not to squeeze your eyes shut, look straight ahead (not at my hand), and don’t move your head or eyes around. Do not make any sudden movements or grasp my hands.”

## Preparation

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### Documentation

### Equipment

## Site & Positioning

Position the patient reclining. The patient should look at a fixed point ahead of them.

## Procedure

Follow medical asepsis without gloves.

## Troubleshooting

My patient has a rust ring after I removed the foreign body.

The rust ring can be very difficult to remove directly after removing the foreign body, and doing so can cause damage to Bowman's layer and result in scar formation. Rather instill antibiotic eye ointment, patch the eye and follow up within 24 hours, when it is easier to remove the rust ring using the same technique above.

How should I follow up this patient?

Follow up every day until the epithelial defect is closed. If not closed within 48 hours refer to an ophthalmologist, because this could indicate infection.

I don’t see a foreign body, but there are markings visible on the cornea under fluorescein.

Evert

Evert

Place a cotton-tipped applicator on the upper eyelid and flip the lid upwards towards the forehead. Use the applicator to hold it in place.

the eyelid to search for a foreign body under the eyelid.

## Risks

## References