Object in a Child's Eye: Care Instructions

Overview

It is common for a speck of dirt or a small object, such as an eyelash or an insect, to get in the eye. Usually tears wash the object out. But the speck can scratch the surface of the eye (cornea).

If the eye surface is scratched, it can feel as if something is still in the eye. Most surface scratches are minor and heal on their own in a day or two.

The doctor probably removed any objects which may have been found during the exam. Even if the object was removed by the doctor during your child's exam, you may still be referred to an eye specialist to make sure there aren't any small pieces deep in your child's eye.

How can you care for your child at home?

• The doctor probably used medicine to numb the eye. When it wears off in 30 to 60 minutes, eye pain may come back.
• Give your child over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), as needed. Read and follow all instructions on the label. No one younger than 20 should take aspirin. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness. Do not give naproxen (Aleve) to a child younger than 12 unless your doctor says it's okay.
• Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• The doctor may have ordered eyedrops for pain. Follow the doctor's instructions when giving them to your child.
• If the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• The doctor may have put a patch over your child's injured eye. If so, have your child keep the eye closed under the patch. This will make the eye feel better. Do not remove the patch until the doctor tells you to.
• If your child does not have a patch, have your child keep the hurt eye closed to reduce pain.
• Wash your hands before touching your child's eye.
• Make sure your child does not rub the hurt eye. Rubbing can make it worse.
• Use the prescribed eyedrops or ointment as directed. Be sure the dropper or bottle tip is clean. You may want to ask another adult to help you put in eyedrops or ointment for a young child.
• To put in eyedrops or ointment:
  • Tilt your child's head back, and pull the lower eyelid down with one finger.
  • Drop or squirt the medicine inside the lower lid.
  • Have your child close the eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the drops or ointment move around.
  • Do not touch the ointment or dropper tip to the eyelashes or any other surface.
• Your child should not wear a contact lens in the hurt eye until the doctor says it is okay. Also, your child should not wear eye makeup until the eye heals.
• If your child has to wear an eye patch, they shouldn't play sports, ride a bike, drive, or do other activities that need to judge distance.
• For the first 24 to 48 hours, have your child limit reading and other tasks that require a lot of eye movement.
• Bright light may hurt. Wearing dark glasses may help.
• To prevent eye injuries in the future, have your child wear safety glasses or goggles when they work with machines or tools, mow the lawn, or ride a bike or motorcycle.