Foreign Body Removal

Urgent Assessment and Treatment for Something Stuck in Your Eye

A foreign body in the eye can be extremely uncomfortable and should not be ignored. Small particles of metal, grit, dust, wood or other debris can become trapped beneath the eyelid or embedded in the surface of the eye, particularly the cornea.
At Edgbaston Eye Clinic in Birmingham, we provide specialist assessment and removal of suitable corneal and conjunctival foreign bodies, together with examination of the eye for associated injury, abrasion or infection.
If you feel that something is stuck in your eye, particularly following DIY, grinding, drilling, gardening or work involving airborne debris, prompt examination is advisable.

What is a corneal foreign body?

The cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye. Because it contains many sensitive nerve endings, even a very small foreign body can cause significant discomfort. Common symptoms include pain, persistent grittiness or a feeling that something is still in the eye, excessive watering, redness, sensitivity to light and blurred vision. Sometimes a particle becomes lodged underneath the upper eyelid and repeatedly scratches the cornea every time you blink.

How is an eye foreign body assessed?

At Edgbaston Eye Clinic, the eye is examined carefully using a high-magnification slit lamp to identify the location and depth of the foreign body and assess the surrounding cornea. Local anaesthetic eye drops may be used to make the examination and removal more comfortable.

Where appropriate, a superficial foreign body can then be carefully removed. The cornea is subsequently examined for abrasion, inflammation, infection or residual material. Metallic foreign bodies may occasionally leave a rust ring, which may require further treatment or review.

Will I need antibiotic eye drops?

Frequently, yes. Removing a corneal foreign body commonly leaves a small epithelial defect or corneal abrasion while the surface heals. Depending on the examination findings, antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.

Other treatment, including lubricating drops and appropriate follow-up, may also be recommended depending on the extent of the injury.

How much does foreign body removal cost?

The fee for foreign body assessment and removal at Edgbaston Eye Clinic is £220. This includes:

The clinical consultation and detailed eye examination
Removal of a suitable superficial corneal or conjunctival foreign body where required
Necessary eye drops associated with the treatment, including antibiotics where clinically indicated
Treatment advice and an appropriate management plan

When is an eye injury an emergency?

Some eye injuries require immediate hospital assessment rather than routine foreign body removal.

You should attend an emergency eye department or A&E urgently if you suspect that an object has penetrated the eye, if the injury involved high-speed metal or machinery, if there has been a chemical injury, or if you have significant loss of vision, severe trauma or marked bleeding.

Do not attempt to remove an object yourself if it appears embedded in or penetrating the eye.

Foreign Body Removal at Edgbaston Eye Clinic

If you have something stuck in your eye or persistent discomfort after an eye injury, Mr Don Williams at Edgbaston Eye Clinic provides urgent foreign body assessment in Edgbaston, Birmingham. Our aim is not simply to remove the foreign body but to carefully assess the eye for associated corneal damage and provide appropriate treatment afterwards.

Mr Don Williams ACP (Ophthalmology)
38 Harborne Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 3HE