Removing a Foreign Object

The doctor will remove the foreign object by flushing the eye with saline or by using a cotton swab, needle, or other tool. You may have to wear a patch over the eye; however, a 2006 meta-analysis (ie, analysis of a group of studies on the same topic) found that eye-patching did not decrease pain and may actually slow healing. * But most eye specialists feel that when done properly, a pressure patch on the eye, which prevents blinking, does in fact increase comfort and speed healing.

Medication

Medications may include:

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection
• Pain medications as needed

Self-care

Always go to an eye doctor immediately if your eye is bothering you. Besides treatment prescribed by your eye doctor, self-care may include:

• Do not rub your eye. Rubbing may worsen the abrasion.
• If you are not wearing an eye patch, moist compresses may help relieve the pain.
• Do not put your contact lenses back in your eye until you get your doctor's approval.

If you are diagnosed with a corneal abrasion, follow your doctor's instructions .