LESSON 3
TREAT FOREIGN BODIES OF THE EYE
3-1.
GENERAL
Foreign bodies can be pieces of dirt and debris, particles of rust, and similar
small objects that enter the eye. These foreign bodies are usually found on the surface
of the eyeball or sometimes become stuck between the eyelid and the eyeball. In some
instances, if the patient closes his eyes for a few moments, the tears will move the
object to the corner of the eye where it can easily be removed. However, there are
times when other methods are required to safely remove foreign bodies from the eye.
These methods will be included in this lesson. Your task will be to treat a patient with a
foreign body in the eye, minimizing effects of the injury, and without causing further
injury.
3-2.
LOCATE THE FOREIGN BODY
a. First Method.
(1)
Pull down the lower lid of the patient's injured eye (see figure 3-1).
Figure 3-1. Lower eyelid pulled down
(a) Tell the patient to look upwards.
(b) Tell the patient to look to one side.
(c)
Tell the patient to look to the other side.
(d) Look for the foreign body.
MD0547
3-2