Foreign Body in the Eye
Often, foreign bodies that get into a child’s eye are harmless, such as sand or crumbs. It’s uncomfortable for the child, and the eye may water.
Sharp objects like pens, toothpicks, or similar items are more dangerous.
Actions:
- Stay calm and reassure the child.
- Ask your child or a third party about how the accident happened.
Harmless Foreign Body in the Lower Eyelid:
- Pull the lower lid down and remove the object using a moist cotton swab or the tip of a tissue. Do not rub.
Harmless Foreign Body in the Upper Eyelid:
- Gently grab the upper eyelid by the lashes and pull it over the lower eyelid. The foreign body will usually get caught on the lower lid as the upper lid slides back.
If the foreign body does not come out, visit the nearest pediatrician, hospital, or call emergency services (112).
Dangerous Foreign Bodies:
- If a foreign body is lodged in the eyeball, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Immediately visit a pediatrician, ophthalmologist, or hospital, or call emergency services (112).
Foreign Body in the Nose or Ear
Actions:
- Stay calm and reassure the child.
- Attempting to remove the object yourself may push it further into the nose or ear canal.
Visit the nearest pediatrician, ENT specialist, or hospital.
