Do not rub with foreign bodies in the eye

Foreign objects in the eye may be carefully removed with a tissue

05/20/2014

If foreign objects get into the eye, there is a lot of itching and burning on the eyes, to which people often react with rubbing. But the friction can lead to further complaints. For example, could „rubbing the cornea, especially if it is a hard, edgy foreign body“, Warns the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).

„Whether cycling, gardening or playing on the beach: There are many situations in which you can easily get something in the eye“, reports the IQWiG on the portal Gesundheitsinformation.de. The eye begins here „to tears violently“ and in combination with blinking, the foreign body is usually flushed out quite quickly. „Supportive you can try to remove it yourself or with outside help“, explains the IQWiG further.

In case of doubt to the ophthalmologist
For example, a foreign body sitting on the lower lid, according to health information.de be carefully recorded with a fresh handkerchief. If it is not possible to remove the foreign body itself, ophthalmological assistance is required, says the IQWiG. A doctor can carefully fold up the eyelid with just a few hand movements and thereby remove foreign bodies or residues. If necessary, a local anesthesia with drops is possible. In any case „It's important not to rub on the eye, even if that's the natural reflex.“

Take care of the eyes
The experts also point to the possibilities of prevention, which should prevent the penetration of foreign bodies into the eye. For example, be it „When working at home and in the garden important to protect the eyes.“ In particular, when working overhead, when handling a hammer and chisel and during grinding, it is recommended to wear protective goggles. Because „When small particles or metal chips break loose and are thrown into the environment at high speed, they can strike the cornea of ​​the eye with force and penetrate deep into the eye“, reports the IQWiG. „Not a few corneal injuries“ also be observed when repotting plants with sharp leaves or thorns. (Fp)