If something is stuck in the eye, or you have been grinding, drilling or hammering metal: contact us the same day.
Common injuries
Foreign body
Dust, sand, an insect or a metal particle on the eye or under the eyelid. It feels as if something is constantly in the eye.
Corneal scratch
For example from a fingernail, a branch or a piece of paper. It is very painful, but usually heals within 1–2 days.
Welder’s flash
UV light from welding, a sunbed or snow in strong sunlight without protection burns the cornea. The pain starts 6–12 hours later, often at night, and in both eyes.
Symptoms
- Pain and a feeling that something is in the eye
- Watering and a red eye
- Sensitivity to light and difficulty keeping the eye open
- Slightly blurred vision
What you can do yourself
- Do not rub the eye
- Rinse the eye with clean, lukewarm water
- Take out contact lenses
- Never try to remove something stuck on the coloured or clear part of the eye yourself
Contact us the same day if
- something is still stuck after rinsing
- you have been grinding, drilling or hammering metal. A particle can penetrate the eye, and a metal particle leaves a rust ring that must be removed
- your vision is reduced, or the pain does not ease after a day
- your eye has been hit
Treatment
The foreign body is removed, and the eye is treated with antibiotic ointment for a few days. Painkillers from the pharmacy can help. Numbing eye drops may only be used by the doctor, because repeated use delays healing.
What happens at our clinic?
- We examine the eye under a microscope with numbing drops and dye drops that show scratches clearly.
- We remove foreign bodies and rust rings here at the clinic.
- You are given antibiotic ointment and told when to come back for a check-up.
This text is general information and does not replace an examination. If you are unsure about your symptoms, call us.