(b)
If the foreign body has adhered to the cornea over the iris or the
pupil:
1 Do not try to remove it.
2 Put a bandage over both eyes.
3 Evacuate the patient to the nearest MTF.
3-3.
REMOVE FOREIGN BODY
a. First Method. Gently wipe foreign body away or pick up object with a slightly
moistened, cotton swab or with the edge of a slightly moistened, clean handkerchief.
b. Second Method. Gently wash object out with water.
(1) Allow water to flow from inner canthus to outer canthus (see figure 3-4),
using your thumb and forefinger to keep eye open.
(2) If the foreign body is not easily removed, bandage both eyes and
transport the patient to the nearest MTF.
(3)
If there is pain in the eye or loss of vision, refer the patient to the nearest
MTF.
c. Notes.
(1)
Do not put pressure on the eyeball.
(2) If the foreign body is not easily removed, bandage both eyes and
transport patient to the medical treatment facility.
(3) If there is pain in the eye or loss of vision, bandage the eyes and seek
further medical aid immediately.
3-4.
OBTAIN HISTORY
a. Determine source and type of foreign body. This may indicate amount of
tissue destruction and/or may indicate time necessary for healing.
b. Determine cause of foreign body. high velocity particles are more likely to
penetrate and perforate. Wind blown particles are more likely to embed superficially to
cornea.
MD0547
3-4