What is an object or chemical in my eye?

An object in your eye is often something small such as dirt, metal or sawdust. Most objects in your eye can be found under your eyelid or on the surface of your eye.

Things can get in your eyes when you're cleaning, gardening or at work. It can also happen when something is carried by the wind and gets in your eye.

If you get something in your eye when drilling, cutting or grinding, you may have a more serious eye injury. You should see a doctor straight away.

It's also possible to accidentally splash your eye with chemicals.

What symptoms are related to having an object or chemical in my eye?

If you get something in your eye, you may get:

• pain and burning
• red, irritated or watery eyes
• sensitivity to light
• a scratchy feeling when you blink
• blurred or double vision
• bleeding
• swelling and be unable to open your eye

How is the cause of objects or chemicals in the eye diagnosed?

Your doctor or optometrist will examine your eye and ask you what has happened. They may need special equipment to check your vision.

If an object has entered your eyeball, you may need a CT scan.

When should I see my doctor?

Minor eye injuries, such as getting shampoo or dust in your eye, often get better within 24 hours.

Get medical help if you have a chemical in your eye or something pierces it.

When to seek urgent care

You should see a doctor as soon as possible if:

• your pain gets worse
• there's a change in your vision (especially if you have a sudden loss of vision)
• your vision is blurred or you can see black spots
• you get coloured discharge from your eye or it has blood in it
• you have a fever — a temperature over 38°C
• you get something in your eye during activities such as drilling, cutting or grinding
• you get chemicals in your eye

You should also see a doctor if you get a white or yellow spot on the surface of your eye. This is a corneal abscess and needs treatment.

How is an object or chemical in my eye treated?

First aid

If you get a chemical in your eye or something pierces through the surface of your eye, go to your nearest emergency department. Or you can call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

If you're wearing contact lenses, try to take out your contact lenses. If the surface of your eye is badly damaged do not remove the contact lenses.

Do not put drops, ointment or any medicines in your eye.

First aid for small objects on the surface of your eye

If you have something in your eye.

• Look up and pull your lower eyelid down. If you can see the object, remove it with the corner of a moist cloth.
• If you can't see the object, pull your upper eyelid up.
• If this doesn't work, try flushing the object out gently with water or a sterile saline solution. You can buy sterile saline solution from a pharmacy.
• If this doesn't work, cover your injured eye and get medical help.

First aid for chemicals in the eye

Getting chemicals in your eye can be serious.

You should call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

While you're waiting for the ambulance:

• tilt your head back and turn to the injured side
• flush the injured eye with cool water for 20 minutes
• use your fingers to keep your eye open

Do not let the chemical wash into your uninjured eye.

Self-care at home

Small scratches on your eye will heal by themselves.

While your eye is healing try not to rub your eye, even if it's painful or itchy. This can irritate your eye and make your injury worse.

Try not to touch your eyes with dirty hands and fingers. This may cause an infection. Wash your hands in warm soapy water and dry them before and after touching your eye.

If your eye area is bruised, hold an ice pack against it to reduce swelling. A frozen bag of peas wrapped in a tea towel makes a good ice pack. The bag of peas can be refrozen but do not eat the refrozen peas.

If you have an eye injury you should not wear contact lenses until it has healed. Try to wear your glasses instead.

Wear dark glasses for the next couple of days.

If your eye is not better in 1-2 days, see an optometrist or doctor.

Medicines for objects or chemicals in the eye

You may need to wear an eye patch or use eye drops from your doctor for a few days. You may want to take pain relief medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

You may need to see an ophthalmologist (eye specialist).

How can objects or chemicals in my eye be prevented?

It's important to always protect your eyes. If there's a chance of getting something in your eyes wear a face visor or a pair of wrap-around goggles.

At work

Risks in your workplaces may be:

• chemicals
• dust
• metal fragments
• small wood chips

Wearing protective eyewear can lower your chance of injury.

It's a good idea to speak to your employer about preventing injuries in your workplace.

At home

At home, use eye protection when doing woodwork or gardening — such as sawing and pruning. You should also wear goggles when using pool chemicals and acids or bleaches.

If possible, teach children not to put objects into their eyes. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitiser away from young children. It can cause injury if it gets into their eyes.

Supervise children when they are using sharp objects such as pencils, paper clips and scissors.

Check that projectile toys, such as toy guns are appropriate for the age of your child.

What are the complications of an object or chemical in my eye?

Most injuries to the eye are minor and will heal by themselves. But if the object isn't removed, it can cause infection or scarring.

If the surface of your eye is scratched it may not heal and an ulcer may form.

Getting a chemical in your eye or an object that pierces your eye is serious. It can cause a long-term injury and may lead to blindness.

Resources and support

You can call the healthdirect helpline for advice on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.