Article Sections

Introduction

A foreign body in the eye occurs when an object enters and becomes lodged in ocular tissue ( Figure 1).  The foreign body may be located superficially (within the conjunctiva or cornea) or intraocularly (inside the globe).  Depending on the object's composition, size, and velocity upon entry, injuries can range from a mild corneal abrasion to an open globe injury with permanent visual loss.  Superficial foreign bodies can often be removed from the corneal or conjunctival surface with gentle manipulation, whereas deeper intraocular foreign bodies typically require surgical intervention.

Risk factors

Several factors predispose individuals to ocular foreign bodies:

  • Lack of protective eyewear:  Inadequate use of safety goggles during hazardous tasks (eg, construction, manufacturing).
  • High-risk occupations:  Working in environments with high exposure to flying debris (eg, drilling, welding).

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