If an object is in the eye and not easily removable, what should you do?

If an object is in the eye and not easily removable, what should you do?

• A. Gently flush with clean water and seek care if not removed
• B. Rub the eye vigorously
• C. Remove it with your finger
• D. Apply pressure with a tissue

Answer: (C)

When something is in the eye and won’t come out easily, the priority is to avoid causing more damage and to remove it safely. Rubbing the eye or trying to pick out the object with a finger can scratch the cornea or push the object deeper, so those actions should be avoided. The best approach is to gently rinse the eye with clean water or saline. Tilt the head to help the water flow toward the outer corner, hold the eyelids open, and let a gentle stream wash from the inner corner to the outer edge. Rinse for several minutes to give the object a chance to come free. If the object remains after rinsing, or if you have persistent pain, redness, blurred vision, or if the eye was exposed to chemicals, seek medical care promptly. Do not delay for minor discomfort in these cases.

When something is in the eye and won’t come out easily, the priority is to avoid causing more damage and to remove it safely. Rubbing the eye or trying to pick out the object with a finger can scratch the cornea or push the object deeper, so those actions should be avoided. The best approach is to gently rinse the eye with clean water or saline. Tilt the head to help the water flow toward the outer corner, hold the eyelids open, and let a gentle stream wash from the inner corner to the outer edge. Rinse for several minutes to give the object a chance to come free.

If the object remains after rinsing, or if you have persistent pain, redness, blurred vision, or if the eye was exposed to chemicals, seek medical care promptly. Do not delay for minor discomfort in these cases.