Eye Foreign Body
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
You may have pain, sensitivity to light, or blurry vision for a few days.
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DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You suddenly lose your vision.
- You have severe eye pain.
Call your doctor or ophthalmologist if:
- You have new or worse eye swelling.
- Your symptoms do not get better, even after the foreign body is removed.
- You have white or yellow fluid draining from your eye.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Eye drops or eye ointment may be given to prevent an infection and decrease pain.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Help your eye heal:
- Do not rub your eye. This may cause more damage or infection.
- Do not wear your contacts lenses until your eye heals. Ask your healthcare provider how long to follow this direction.
- Wear sunglasses as directed. Sunglasses help protect the eye and decrease sensitivity to light.
Prevent another EFB:
- Wear safety glasses, eye shields, or goggles. These items can prevent eye injury. Make sure the eyewear wraps around the sides of your face. Wear these items while you work with chemicals, metal, wood, or bodily fluids such as blood. Also wear protective eyewear during sports such as racquetball or swimming. Do not use regular eye glasses for eye protection. They will not protect your eyes from foreign bodies or chemicals.
- Use contact lenses as directed. Wash your hands before you clean, insert, or remove your contacts. Insert and remove contact lenses correctly. Clean and change your contacts as directed to help prevent eye damage or infection.
Follow up with your doctor or ophthalmologist as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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