A foreign body in the conjunctiva, which is the lining on the white part of the eyeball and eyelid, can make you uncomfortable. Usually, this condition is harmless, but it can cause problems if the foreign body can't get out or causes deep damage to the eye.
The conjunctiva is the clear membrane that lines the white part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. Foreign bodies in the conjunctiva can be dust, sand, metal chips, or wood. Usually, this condition occurs when welding or sawing without using eye protection.
The main symptom that is felt when there is a foreign body in the conjunctiva is a feeling of lump or pain in the eye, especially when blinking. In addition, this condition can also make the eyes red and watery.
A Simple Way to Dispense Foreign Body in Conjunctiva
Foreign bodies need to be removed immediately because over time it is feared that they can cause infection, injure the cornea, and interfere with vision. As an initial treatment, you can try to remove it yourself at home in a safe way.
If you feel something is stuck in your eye, avoid rubbing your eyes. Before performing first aid, first find out the location of the foreign body in the conjunctiva. The method is as follows:
- Wash your hands first with soap before touching the eye area.
- Use bright lighting to examine your eyes in the mirror.
- Examine the whites of the eyes as well as the inside of the upper and lower eyelids.
- Lift the upper eyelid while glancing down and pull the lower eyelid down while glancing up to examine the inside of the eyelid.
- Ask others for help if you have trouble checking your own eyes.
Once the foreign object is found, you can remove it with water. Don't try to remove dirt using cotton bud, toothpicks, tweezers, or other solid objects because they can injure the eyes.
The easiest way is to immerse the eye with the foreign object in a container of water. Blink your eyes several times to remove any particles or foreign objects that are on the conjunctiva or the surface of the eyeball.
If someone else can help, you can lie down and ask for help to run clean, warm water into your eyes, holding your eyelids open. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before trying to get rid of a foreign object in the conjunctiva.
Some small particles that enter the conjunctiva, such as dust or grit, tend to be easily found and removed by self-treatment at home. However, foreign bodies can be so deep that they are difficult to find on their own and require the help of a doctor.
In addition, if the foreign body in the conjunctiva is large enough or doesn't expel on its own, it's possible that the object is stuck in the eye. Cover the eye with a bandage and go to the ER immediately for treatment.