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Foreign Object in the Cornea

Your cornea is the clear layer on the front of your eyeball. It focuses light and helps protect your eye from dust and germs. A foreign object can get into the cornea itself. A trapped speck of dirt or grit is often a minor problem. But anything metal, or an object that goes through (pierces) your cornea, can cause severe damage. For instance, the cornea can be damaged from foreign bodies that occur while grinding metal. The small pieces of metal travel toward the eye at high speed.

Side view cross section of front of eye showing iris, pupil, and foreign object stuck in cornea.

When to go to the emergency room (ER)

The longer you wait, the greater the chance of injury or infection. Get emergency medical help right away for any of the following:

An object in your eye that you can't flush out with water
Your eye remains very swollen or painful after an object has been removed
An object embedded in your eye. Cover both eyes with a sterile compress and call 911
The front of your eye (cornea) is white or hazy
Blood in your eye (hyphema), in between the clear cornea and the colored iris
You're having trouble seeing

What to expect in the ER

A healthcare provider will ask about your injury and examine your eye.
You may be given eye drops to ease any mild pain.
The provider may use a microscope with a bright light to help examine your eyeball. They may put a special dye (fluorescein) on the cornea to help see the object more clearly.
The provider may remove a loose foreign object. This may be done with a cotton swab, irrigating your eye with water, or sometimes with a small needle, scoop, or drill tool.
Severe injuries are likely to be treated by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).
Antibiotic eye drops and possibly pain medicine will be prescribed if you are discharged home.