---
title: "Foreign body in the eye | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What to do if something gets in your eye, when to flush at home, and when metal, glass or plant material needs urgent professional removal."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/eye-foreign-body/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Foreign body in the eye

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

A foreign body in the eye causes pain, watering and a gritty feeling. Do not rub the eye. Small loose particles may wash out with clean water or saline, but metal, glass, plant material or anything stuck on the eye needs urgent professional removal to prevent corneal scarring.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What to do first
3. When to seek urgent care
4. High-risk situations
5. Professional removal
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Frequently asked questions

## What to do first

Stop rubbing, as this can scratch the cornea. Wash hands, pull the lower lid down and look for a visible particle on the white of the eye or under the lid. Flush with clean water or saline if the object may be loose.

## When to seek urgent care

Some objects must not be removed at home.

- Metal, glass or grinding sparks
- Sharp plant material or thorns
- Something embedded on the clear cornea
- Pain, redness or blurred vision that persists after flushing
- Chemical splash, which needs prolonged flushing

## High-risk situations

DIY, gardening, grinding and hammering carry high risk of penetrating injury. If something may have gone through the eye wall, seek emergency care even if pain seems mild.

## Professional removal

Clinicians use numbing drops and fine instruments to remove particles safely, check for hidden abrasions, and give antibiotic drops if needed. A corneal abrasion after removal usually heals within days.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I get something out of my eye at home?

Wash hands, avoid rubbing, and try gentle flushing with clean water or saline. If the object is visible on the white of the eye, it may be lifted with a clean damp cotton bud, but do not attempt this for metal, glass or corneal objects.

### When is a foreign body in the eye an emergency?

Seek urgent care for metal or grinding sparks, glass, plant material, anything stuck on the cornea, or persistent pain and blurred vision after flushing.

### Can a foreign body scratch the eye?

Yes. Even after removal, the cornea may be scratched, causing pain and light sensitivity. Antibiotic drops and follow-up help prevent infection.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [NHS - Eye injuries](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eye-injuries/)