Corneal Foreign Bodies

Any number of foreign bodies such as sawdust, metal filings, wood shavings, yard debris, etc. can become lodged within your eye or cornea. While these issues generally arise from working without the protection of safety glasses, foreign bodies can become lodged within the eye or cornea at any time even in the most ordinary of circumstances. When this occurs, it is important to have the eye examined urgently and the foreign body removed.

Corneal foreign bodies are usually removed in the office, but some deeply embedded foreign bodies may need to be removed in the OR. The first step in the treatment process though, is obtaining a detailed history and completing a thorough examination of the eye. It is very important that our ophthalmologists understand the timing, substance and mechanism of the injury so that appropriate patient care can be given. Our ophthalmologists will also conduct a thorough examination of the eye to test visual acuity and to determine the full extent of foreign bodies present. After completing their evaluation, our ophthalmologists will determine the best way to remove the foreign body, they will delicately remove any and all foreign material, and they will outline any appropriate post-procedural care.