Vision Care Services

Eye Injuries & Foreign Body Removal

Eye Injuries & Foreign Bodies

Something in your eye? We can get it out.

Metal, wood, glass, sand and eyelashes can scratch the eye or lodge in its surface. Our doctors remove foreign bodies in the office under a slit lamp microscope, including embedded metal and the rust rings metal can leave behind.

We also treat scratched corneas, eyelash extension injuries, chemical splashes and blunt injuries from balls, elbows and falls.

Chemical in the eye? Rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes before anything else, then call us or go to the emergency room.

Foreign body removalNumbing drops, removal under the microscope, and rust ring removal when needed.

Scratched corneaCorneal abrasions are painful but usually heal in a few days with the right drops.

Blunt injuriesWe check for bleeding inside the eye, pressure changes and retinal damage after a hit to the eye.

What to do until you are seen

Do not rub the eye, and do not try to remove anything stuck in the eye.
Small particles: blink, or rinse gently with clean water or saline.
Something sticking out of the eye: do not press on the eye. Cover it with a paper cup and go to the emergency room.
Blunt injury: use a cold compress without pressing on the eye, and call us for a same-day exam.

How we treat it

After numbing drops, the doctor removes the foreign body under the slit lamp microscope, checks the cornea with a special dye, and prescribes antibiotic drops to prevent infection. Sometimes a bandage contact lens is used for comfort while the eye heals. Dr. Tumolo and Dr. Than are optometric physicians licensed in Florida to prescribe medicated eye drops and oral medications, so treatment can usually start the same day.

Protect your eyes

Wear safety glasses for grinding, drilling, yard work and home projects, and sports eyewear for racquet and ball sports. Most eye injuries are preventable.

Common questions

Can you remove metal from my eye?

Yes. Our doctors remove metal and other foreign bodies from the surface of the eye in the office, including embedded pieces and the rust rings metal leaves behind. An object that has penetrated the eye needs an eye surgeon, and we arrange that right away.

How long does a scratched cornea take to heal?

Most corneal abrasions heal within a few days with prescription drops. Call us if pain is getting worse rather than better.

Is eye pain after eyelash extensions an emergency?

It can be. Glue, fumes or a lash can scratch the cornea. If your eye is painful, red or light sensitive after an appointment, call us for a same-day exam.

Should I go to the ER or call you?

Call us for most eye injuries and foreign bodies. Go to the emergency room for a penetrating injury, an object sticking out of the eye, or a severe chemical burn after rinsing.