Our team provides safe foreign body removal during office hours to relieve discomfort and protect your long-term eye health.
Foreign Body Removal in Andalusia & Brewton
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When Something Is Stuck in Your Eye
A foreign body in the eye often causes immediate irritation, but symptoms can also develop gradually. You may notice a scratchy or gritty sensation, pain or discomfort when blinking, redness or tearing, light sensitivity, blurry vision, or a feeling that something is “still there.”
Even tiny particles can cause scratches on the cornea or lead to infection if not removed properly, which is why it’s safest to have your eye evaluated professionally rather than trying to remove the object at home.
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How We Diagnose and Locate a Foreign Body
Your eye doctor will begin by asking what happened, when symptoms started, and whether the object might be metal, wood, plant material, or dust. This helps us understand the potential risks and the urgency of treating the eye. We then examine:
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The eyelids (including the underside)
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The cornea
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The conjunctiva
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Tear film and eye surface
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Any signs of abrasions or inflammation
In many cases, foreign bodies can be hidden under the upper lid, which is why a careful eye examination is essential instead of relying on symptoms alone.
What to Expect From Your Appointment
Foreign body removal is performed in-office using sterile tools and gentle techniques. Most patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the process is.
Depending on the type and location of the object, we may:
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Flush the eye with sterile solution
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Remove debris with a cotton applicator or small instrument
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Use numbing drops for comfort
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Treat any resulting corneal scratches
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Apply medication to prevent infection and promote healing
Our goal is to relieve discomfort quickly while preventing complications such as infection, scarring, or long-term irritation.
When to Contact an Eye Doctor
You should schedule an appointment during office hours if:
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You feel something stuck in your eye that does not wash out
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Redness or tearing continues after blinking or rinsing
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Pain increases rather than improves
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You notice blurred or decreased vision
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You were working with metal, wood, or tools when the injury occurred
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A foreign object hit your eye at high speed
If you ever suspect a piece of metal or plant material entered the eye, it’s especially important to be evaluated promptly. These materials can lead to complications if not removed early.
What Not to Do at Home
While it’s tempting to fix the problem yourself, some home remedies can do more harm than good. Avoid:
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Rubbing your eye
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Using tweezers or cotton swabs
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Attempting to remove metal fragments on your own
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Continuing to wear contact lenses
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Ignoring symptoms that worsen over time
These actions can push the object deeper into the eye or scratch the cornea, leading to infection or more serious issues.
Questions About Foreign Body Removal
If you continue to feel irritation, tearing, or the sensation that something is “stuck,” it’s best to be examined.
If left untreated, certain objects, especially metal or organic material, can lead to infection or scarring. Early removal helps prevent long-term vision problems.
For most minor foreign bodies, we are able to handle the evaluation and removal during office hours. If the injury is severe or occurs after hours, we may advise emergency care.
Something Stuck in Your Eye? We Can Help.
If you’re experiencing eye discomfort or think you may have something in your eye, Tillman Family Eye Care is here to help during office hours. Schedule a foreign body evaluation, and let our family support your comfort and recovery.