Many think that most major eye hazards are found in a factory or construction site, but nearly half are reported to have happened in the home. So, if it happens to you, what should you do….
Corneal Foreign Body is the term used to describe material sticking to the cornea (window of the eye). It may be windblown or occur whilst undertaking DIY, gardening, hammering or grinding.
Symptoms include:
- The eye may be red and watery
- Increased sensitivity to light
- A gritty sensation
- Some pain may be experienced
Treatment involves local anaesthetic drops, removal of foreign body, antibiotic eye ointment to heal any resulting defect in the surface of the cornea and painkillers.
Removal of foreign body may involve flushing the eye with saline, using a sterile cotton bud, a sterile needle or an Alger brush.
Afterwards there will be a defect in the surface of the cornea (abrasion). This will be sore until the cornea heals over the next 24 hours. Initially the eye will be painless due to the use of anaesthetic drops and becoming sorer later on as the anaesthetic wears off.
Sometimes your Optometrist may refer you for further investigations or follow up to another Optometrist at the Hospital Eye Department.
Should the pain and redness increase the day following your treatment, you should contact the practice where you were examined. You should tell the person answering the phone that you are being treated for a corneal foreign body, explain that you feel things have changed, say that you need an emergency assessment.
If you are unable to do this, contact your General Practitioner (GP) or NHS24 on 111.
Unless you are told otherwise, the correct dosage for the drugs used to treat this condition are:
- Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment (an antibiotic) four times a day for five days
- If you are known to be allergic to Chloramphenicol , Fusidic acid 1% liquid gel will be used instead
- See your local Pharmacist for painkillers (paracetamol or Ibuprofen (dosage depends on age))
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What you should do to prevent further episodes? Use suitable eye protection, particularly if undertaken hammering, grinding, DIY activities. |