Signs You May Have Something in Your Eye Persistent scratchy, gritty, or sharp sensation—often described as “something stuck” Redness and watering that increase the longer the debris stays in place Sensitivity to light or difficulty keeping the eye open Blurred vision or reduced clarity, especially if the cornea is scratched Pain when blinking or a feeling of pressure in the eye A recent activity involving grinding, drilling, yard work, or windy conditions Foreign bodies—especially metal or high-speed debris—can embed quickly. If these symptoms don’t improve after blinking or rinsing with sterile saline, it’s important to be seen promptly. Optometrist examining the cornea for a foreign body Common Sources of Eye Foreign Bodies Metal shavings from grinding, drilling, or welding Wood, dust, or yard work debris Sand, dirt, or small rocks blown by wind Chemical splashes or paint particles Eyelash fragments or small fibers trapped under the lid Even a tiny particle can create a painful scratch or rust ring on the cornea if not removed properly. Foreign Body Removal & Treatment Gentle removal with sterile instruments under magnification Rust ring cleanup when metal has begun to oxidize on the cornea Prescription drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation Pain relief strategies and temporary activity restrictions if needed Scheduled follow-up to confirm healing and stable vision Throughout your visit, we explain each step so you know what we are doing and what to expect after you leave. What to Do (and Not Do) at Home Rinse gently with sterile saline or artificial tears. This is the safest first step to help flush out loose particles. Blink several times. Natural tearing may remove small surface debris. Avoid rubbing your eye. Rubbing can push particles deeper or scratch the cornea. Do NOT use cotton swabs, tweezers, or your fingernails. These tools can cause serious injury and should never be used on the eye. Remove contact lenses if you're wearing them. Lenses can trap debris and worsen irritation. Seek immediate care if symptoms persist, vision becomes blurry, or you suspect metal or high-velocity debris. How We Evaluate Eye Foreign Bodies Review of how and when the injury occurred Measurement of vision and screening for serious damage Slit-lamp exam to locate debris on the cornea, conjunctiva, or under the lids Use of fluorescein dye to reveal scratches and deeper involvement Assessment for rust rings, infection risk, or signs that need specialist care Insurance & Urgent Care Access Foreign body removal is typically billed as a medical eye visit. Visit our Insurance & Vision Plans page and bring your insurance card—our team will help you understand coverage, copays, and payment options. Same-day or urgent appointments are often available. Get Help for Eye Debris Today If you think something is in your eye, quick, professional care can relieve pain and help protect your sight. Request Appointment Related Services Red Eye Evaluation & Treatment Eye Infection Treatment Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Treatment Flashes & Floaters Evaluation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)For Foreign Body Removal Is getting something removed from my eye painful? Most patients feel relief once the debris is removed. We use numbing drops to keep you as comfortable as possible. Should I go to the ER or the eye doctor? Many eye foreign bodies can be managed in our office. If we see signs of severe injury, we will coordinate emergency care right away. What if metal has been in my eye for a day or more? Metal can leave a rust ring on the cornea. We’ll remove both the metal and as much rust as safely possible, then monitor healing. Will I need to miss work? It depends on your job and the severity of the injury. We’ll discuss activity restrictions and provide documentation if needed. How can I prevent this from happening again? Always wear safety glasses or shields when grinding, drilling, mowing, or working in dusty environments—even for “quick” tasks.