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Foreign Body in the Eye
Particles of dust or grit or loose lashes are the most common foreign bodies found in the eye. In most cases, these can be easily removed. DO NOT ATTEMPT to remove a foreign body if it is on the coloured part of the eye or embedded in the eyeball. In these cases, SEEK MEDICAL AID.

Treatment:

• Advise the casualty not to rub the eye.
• Open the eye, ask the casualty to look right, left, up and down so that you can examine the eye in detail.
• If you can see the foreign body, wash it out by pouring water from a jug into the affected eye, draining away from the good eye.
• If this is unsuccessful, if there is no water available, and the foreign body is NOT STICKING to the eyeball, lift it out, using the damp corner of a clean handkerchief.
• If you cannot remove the foreign body, cover the eye with an eye pad, secured lightly in position, and seek medical aid.

Treatment:

• Wash away the chemical as quickly as possible by holding the affected side of the face under cold water, so that the water drains away from the face. Continue this for 10 minutes.
• If washing is not possible, lay the casualty down, protect the uninjured eye, and gently pour water into the open affected eye to drain away the chemical.
• Lightly dress the eye with sterile eye pad or clean cloth.
• Remove to hospital immediately.

Treatment:

• If severe, if there is loss of vision, seek medical assistance.
• While waiting, cover the eye with clean dressing or clean folded handkerchief and keep the patient lying flat and quiet.

The cornea of the eye can be damaged by the ultra violet light produced by welding, damage usually taking about a week to heal.

Treatment:

• Bathe the eyes with cold water.
• Lightly dress both eyes with pads of clean nonfluffy material.
• Seek medical help if thought necessary.