Managing foreign bodies lodged on the surface of the eye in dental practice

Foreign bodies can lodge on the surface of the eye. In dental practice, follow the advice in Management of foreign bodies lodged on the surface of the eye in dental practice for first-aid management of patients with foreign bodies lodged on the surface of, but not penetrating, the eye.

Figure 1. Management of foreign bodies lodged on the surface of the eye in dental practice

If a foreign body becomes lodged on the surface of the eye:

  • Stop dental treatment.
  • Immediately irrigate the eye.
  • Hold the eyelid open.
  • Do not touch the eye surface.
  • Do not attempt to remove the foreign body.
  • If the foreign body does not dislodge following a short attempt at irrigation, transfer the patient to an emergency department.
  • If the patient has any ongoing symptoms despite apparent removal of the foreign body, organise prompt medical review.