Foreign Body Removal Services

We offer professional, same-day foreign body removal services for those who experience discomfort or injury from debris in the eye. If you’ve come into contact with metal, wood, dust, or other materials that cause irritation or pain, our team is equipped to provide the care you need to relieve discomfort and protect your vision. 

 Foreign body removal is the process of safely extracting debris lodged in or on the eye's surface. This can involve removing small objects like metal fragments, sand, or other materials that can scratch the cornea and lead to infections or serious eye injuries if left untreated.

We use specialised tools and techniques to carefully remove the foreign object while ensuring minimal discomfort during the procedure. For more serious cases, like metal foreign bodies, we also provide therapeutic antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatments to prevent infection and promote healing.

• Sudden eye pain or discomfort
• Redness or swelling in the affected eye
• Tearing or watery eyes
• Blurred or reduced vision
• A sensation of something stuck in the eye
• Light sensitivity

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek prompt treatment to avoid potential complications like corneal abrasions or infections.

 During your visit, we will:

1. Carefully assess the eye using magnification and slit-lamp technology to locate and evaluate the foreign object.
2. Apply anesthetic eye drops to minimize discomfort.
3. Use gentle, precise techniques to remove the object, ensuring the safety of your eye.
4. Prescribe necessary follow-up care, including medicated eye drops, depending on the severity of the injury.

 We understand that eye injuries can occur at any time. That’s why we offer same-day appointments for foreign body removal. It is vital to remove any foreign body from the eye as soon as possible to ensure there is no permanent vision loss or scarring and promote healing. If in doubt, get it checked out!

1. What should I do if I think I have something in my eye?

If you suspect that something is stuck in your eye, avoid rubbing the area, as this can cause more damage, especially to the cornea. Try rinsing your eye with clean water or saline solution. Seek any medical care, however, an optometrist can detect and manage most eye-related issues.

2. How do I know if I need foreign body removal? 

Common signs include sudden eye discomfort, tearing, redness, swelling, a sensation of something stuck in the eye, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to have your eye examined by an optometrist to determine if removal is necessary.

3. Can I try to remove the foreign object from my eye by myself?

It is not advisable to attempt to remove an object from your eye on your own, as this can cause further damage or push the object deeper into the eye. Rubbing or using unsterile tools increases the risk of infection or injury. It’s always safer to seek professional treatment from an optometrist.

4. Is the foreign body removal procedure painful?

Before the procedure, we apply anesthetic eye drops to ensure that the removal process is as comfortable as possible. You may feel some pressure, but the majority of patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure.

5. How long does the procedure take?

The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the location and type of foreign object. After removal, additional time may be needed to prescribe medications or discuss aftercare if necessary.

6. Will I need to use medication after the procedure?

In some cases, we may prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and aid in healing, especially if the foreign object has caused a scratch or abrasion to the cornea.

7. What happens if the object cannot be removed during my visit?

While we can remove most foreign bodies in-office, if the object is deeply embedded or poses a risk for further complications, we may refer you to an ophthalmologist or hospital for specialised treatment.

8. How can I prevent foreign bodies from getting into my eye?

Wearing well-fitting protective eyewear when working with tools, chemicals, or during sports activities is the best way to prevent foreign objects from entering the eye. Always practice caution in environments where debris, dust, or sharp objects are present.

 For more information or to book a foreign body removal appointment, call us today at 07 5495 2316 or use our online booking system.