Eye, foreign body in

Any material on the surface of the eye or under the lid, or an object that penetrates the eyeball. A foreign body may cause irritation, redness, increased tear production, and blepharospasm. In some cases, a foreign body left in the eye may cause a reaction that results in permanent loss of sight in both eyes. Foreign bodies on or in the conjunctiva can usually be flushed out with water. However, medical attention is needed if the object has penetrated the eyeball. Dropping the dye fluorescein into the eye reveals corneal abrasions or sites of penetration. Ultrasound scanning or an X-ray of the eye may also be performed. Local anaesthetic eye-drops may be applied and a spatula used to remove an object from the cornea. The eye may then be covered with a patch. Antibiotic drugs may also be prescribed.