Which action is appropriate for a non-embedded foreign object in the eye?

Which action is appropriate for a non-embedded foreign object in the eye?

• A. Rubbing the eye to dislodge.
• B. Ignoring the object.
• C. Flushing with clean water or saline from the inner corner outward.
• D. Applying ointment to the eye.

Answer: (C)

When a non-embedded foreign object is on the surface of the eye, the goal is to remove it safely without causing more injury. Flushing with clean water or saline from the inner corner outward is the best approach because it washes debris away while guiding it away from the center of the eye. Gently rinse with a steady stream, keeping the eye open, and you may need to repeat until the object is gone. Rubbing the eye can scratch the cornea or push the object deeper, so it should be avoided. Applying ointment is not the right move here, since it can blur vision and trap debris. If flushing doesn’t remove the object, or if there’s ongoing pain, redness, blurred vision, or you suspect the object is embedded or under the eyelid, seek medical care promptly.

When a non-embedded foreign object is on the surface of the eye, the goal is to remove it safely without causing more injury. Flushing with clean water or saline from the inner corner outward is the best approach because it washes debris away while guiding it away from the center of the eye. Gently rinse with a steady stream, keeping the eye open, and you may need to repeat until the object is gone. Rubbing the eye can scratch the cornea or push the object deeper, so it should be avoided. Applying ointment is not the right move here, since it can blur vision and trap debris. If flushing doesn’t remove the object, or if there’s ongoing pain, redness, blurred vision, or you suspect the object is embedded or under the eyelid, seek medical care promptly.