Paediatrics: Eye foreign body

Eye foreign body

Small FBs are usually cleared by tear film. Occasionally they may lodge underneath the upper eyelid or become embedded in the cornea caus-ing intense irritation and excessive lacrimation. Examination of the eye to locate and remove the FB should be carried out.

•   Instil topical anesthetic drops.

•   Perform a visual acuity check (where appropriate) and fundoscopy— examine the anterior chamber and tear film with a bright light (best done with a slit lamp) and examine the conjunctival sacs.

•   A loose FB usually adheres to a swab lightly touched to the surface of the conjunctiva, or will be washed out by copious irrigation with saline.

•   Referral to the ophthalmology team to exclude any corneal abrasion caused by the FB is usually required.