Any substance present on the surface of the eye or beneath the eyelid, as well as any object that manages to penetrate the eyeball.
Dust particles are the most frequent foreign bodies that can enter the eye. In some instances, small fragments of metal, plastic, or wood may accidentally find their way into the eye. Although uncommon, there are rare cases where high-speed objects can actually penetrate the eyeball.
A foreign object in the eye can lead to various symptoms such as irritation, redness, increased tear production, and blepharospasm (involuntary closure and squeezing of the eyelid). Some foreign bodies left inside the eyeball may release harmful substances, potentially causing blindness. In other cases, foreign objects may remain in the eye and cause infections that can result in a loss of vision. Additionally, there is a rare condition called sympathetic ophthalmitis that may pose a threat to sight, even in the unaffected eye.
Foreign objects located on or in the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids) can often be washed out with water. However, if the object has penetrated the eyeball, immediate medical attention is necessary. In such cases, the doctor may use fluorescein (an orange dye) to identify any corneal abrasions or entry points. Additionally, ultrasound scanning or X-ray of the eye might be conducted for further evaluation.
To facilitate the removal of an object from the cornea (the clear front dome of the eyeball), anaesthetic eye drops may be administered, and a spatula can be used. After the procedure, the eye might be covered with a patch. In addition, antibiotic drugs may be prescribed to combat any potential infection.