The summer season in Spain means not just sun and beaches, but also a heightened risk of a common nuisance: getting a foreign object in your eye. Dust, sand on the coast, small insects, or even an eyelash can cause serious discomfort. Although the eyes have natural protective mechanisms, they are extremely sensitive. Taking the wrong steps in such situations can lead to injuries and infections. Ophthalmologist María Rolindes Fernández from Clínica Baviera explains how to provide first aid and when it’s necessary to immediately consult a specialist.
Most often, the eyes are exposed to small particles from the environment: dust, sand, eyelashes, and insects. At home or at work, dangers can also come from cleaning agents, cosmetics, as well as more serious objects—metal or wood shavings, glass fragments. Most particles settle on the surface of the eye, causing burning, redness, and tearing. Yet even a minor speck, if not handled properly, can damage the cornea.
Symptoms appear almost immediately. These include a gritty sensation in the eye, redness, excessive tearing, pain, stinging, and increased sensitivity to light. Sometimes vision may become blurred and the eyelid may swell. Even if you don’t see the foreign object, discomfort can persist, especially if the particle is under the eyelid. The specialist emphasizes the key rule in this situation: do not rub your eye, as this can make the injury worse.
The first and most important step is to stay calm and avoid rubbing your eye. Start by washing your hands thoroughly. Then, rinse the eye generously with clean water or saline solution. To do this, tilt your head to the side so that the liquid flows from the inner corner of the eye to the outer corner, washing out the foreign object. You can also try blinking frequently — this stimulates tear production, which helps flush out the speck naturally. If the particle is visible on the white of the eye or the inner side of the lower eyelid, you may attempt to gently remove it with the corner of a sterile gauze pad or a clean handkerchief, being careful not to apply pressure.
Seeking medical attention becomes necessary in several cases. If the foreign object does not come out after rinsing, is firmly stuck in the eye, or is a sharp item (such as metal or glass), self-treatment is not permitted. Warning signs requiring an immediate visit to an ophthalmologist include severe pain, worsening or blurred vision, and bleeding. Children, contact lens wearers, and individuals with pre-existing eye conditions are advised to consult a doctor immediately rather than attempting to resolve the issue on their own.
Incorrect removal of a foreign object can lead to serious consequences. Attempts to extract it with dirty hands or non-sterile instruments can introduce an infection. Excessive pressure can cause abrasions on the cornea — superficial scratches that may become infected and develop into ulcers, posing a threat to vision. In some cases, scars remain on the cornea, permanently reducing visual acuity. Metal particles are especially dangerous because they can oxidize and leave a permanent stain on the cornea.
In clinical settings, a doctor first performs a diagnosis using a slit lamp to accurately determine the location of the foreign object and assess the extent of the damage. Then, using sterile instruments, the specialist carefully removes it. After the procedure, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory eye drops are typically prescribed to prevent infections and speed up healing. During recovery, patients are advised to refrain from wearing contact lenses and to avoid smoky or dusty environments.
Prevention is fairly simple. Outdoors, especially in windy weather, sunglasses and hats can help protect your eyes. When performing tasks that carry a risk of sawdust, dust, or chemicals getting into the eyes, wearing special protective goggles is mandatory. It’s also important not to touch your eyes with dirty hands to minimize the risk of both injury and infection.
