Specialties > Foreign Object Removal

Urgent Care for Foreign Object Removal

Something stuck in your eye? EyeSee Specialists in La Jolla offers expert after-hours foreign body removal to prevent damage and infection, ensuring your comfort and safety.

8950 Villa La Jolla Dr
Suite C130
Weekdays 6–9 PM
Weekends 8 AM–8 PM

Seek Care now if You Have:

  • Sharp pain or scratching sensation
  • Excessive tearing
  • Redness and irritation
  • Light sensitivity
  • Difficulty keeping the eye open
  • Feeling something moving when blinking
Call Now: (704) 253-8865

Our Emergency Services

Our La Jolla facility offers:
  • Advanced corneal imaging
  • Specialized treatments
  • Evening and weekend hours
    (6 PM–9 PM weekdays,
    8 AM–8 PM weekends)
  • Expert evaluation
  • Immediate intervention
  • Follow-up coordination

Understanding Foreign Eye Objects

What it is:

Foreign objects in the eye, such as dust, metal shavings, contact lens fragments, plant material, or construction debris, can range from minor irritants to serious concerns. Professional removal is essential to prevent corneal damage, infection, and lasting harm if not properly addressed.

When to Seek Care:

If you have persistent discomfort, a scratching sensation, pain, redness, tearing, light sensitivity, or difficulty keeping the eye open, seek professional evaluation. Do not attempt self-removal of embedded objects.

Critically, go to the nearest ER if:

  • The object is deeply embedded in the eye
  • The injury involved high-speed particles or metal (e.g., grinding, drilling, explosion)
  • There is a large or penetrating wound to the eye
  • You were exposed to strong chemicals or caustic substances
  • There is significant bleeding inside the eye
  • You experience sudden vision loss following the injury

How We Help:

 Dr. Said will perform a detailed eye examination to locate the foreign body, identify its type, and evaluate for any corneal damage or irritation. Using high-magnification microscopes and specialized instruments, the foreign body is safely removed with minimally invasive techniques, often after numbing the eye with topical anesthesia. Thorough eye irrigation may be performed. Post-removal care includes antibiotic eye drops if necessary, corneal evaluation, and detailed aftercare instructions.

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Common Types of Eye Foreign Objects

  • Dust and environmental debris
  • Metal shavings from work activities
  • Contact lens fragments
  • Plant material or small insects
  • Construction debris (wood, cement, fiberglass, etc.)
  • Sand or dirt particles

Comprehensive Care Protocol

Our approach ensures:

1

Rapid Assessment:

  • Immediate evaluation
  • Identification of object type and assessment of corneal damage/irritation
  • Screening severe injuries requiring ER care
  • Prioritized care to prevent further injury or infection

2

Expert Treatment:

  • Safe removal procedure using topical anesthesia (when needed), high-magnification microscopes, and specialized instruments
  • Gentle extraction techniques to minimize corneal trauma
  • Thorough eye irrigation if required to clear debris
  • Application of antibiotic eye drops post-removal to prevent infection (if necessary)

3

Recovery Management:

  • Corneal evaluation for any residual damage post-removal
  • Detailed aftercare instructions for healing
  • Follow-up recommendations to ensure proper recovery
  • Guidance on eye safety, protective measures, and recognizing signs of serious injury

Diagnostic Process: What to Expect at Your Visit

Each visit takes about 30–60 minutes.

Initial Assessment:

  • Detailed eye examination
  • Identification of object type
  • Evaluation for corneal damage or eye irritation
  • Assessment of surrounding eye structures

Specialized Testing:

  • Microscope-guided examination for precise visualization (often part of the removal procedure itself)
  • Fluorescein staining may be used to highlight corneal abrasions caused by the foreign body.

Healing & Recovery Support

As you recover, we're here to support you.

Initial Treatment:

  • Topical anesthesia to numb the eye (when needed)
  • Microscope-guided removal for accuracy
  • Gentle extraction techniques to prevent further injury

Recovery Support:

  • Corneal evaluation for any residual damage
  • Detailed aftercare instructions for healing
  • Follow-up recommendations to ensure proper recovery
  • Guidance on proper eye protection
  • Information on emergency eye washing techniques for chemical exposure or irritants
  • Education on recognizing signs of serious eye injury requiring immediate attention

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