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How can you care for yourself when you feel like there's an object in your eye?
- Do not rub your eye.
- If the doctor prescribed eyedrops or ointment, use them as directed. Be sure the dropper or bottle tip is clean.
- To put in eyedrops or ointment:
- Tilt your head back, and pull your lower eyelid down with one finger.
- Drop or squirt the medicine inside the lower lid.
- Close your eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the drops or ointment move around.
- Do not touch the ointment or dropper tip to your eyelashes or any other surface.
Object in a child's eye: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child suddenly cannot see or can barely see.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has signs of infection in the eye, such as:
- Yellow, green, bloody, or watery discharge from the eye.
- Increasing redness of the eye or eyelids.
- A gray or white sore on the eye.
- Light hurts the eye.
- Your child has blurry vision that does not clear when blinking.
- Your child has pain in or near the eye.
- Your child says that it feels like sand is in the eye when blinking.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child's eye is not better after 1 to 2 days.
- Your child has any new symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or a change in vision.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.