Eye, Ear, and Nose Injuries
Lesson 3: Treat Foreign Bodies of the Eye
3-2
3-2. LOCATE THE FOREIGN BODY
a. First Method.
(1) Pull down the lower lid of the patient's injured eye (see figure 3-1).
Figure 3-1. Lower eyelid pulled down
(a) Tell the patient to look upwards.
(b) Tell the patient to look to one side.
(c) Tell the patient to look to the other side.
(d) Look for the foreign body.
(2) Pull the patient's upper lid up (see figure 3-2).
Figure 3-2. Upper eyelid pulled up
(a) Tell the patient to look down.
(b) Tell the patient to look to one side.
(c) Tell the patient to look to the other side.
(d) Look for foreign particles.
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WARNING
If there are any indications of damage to the eyeball or an object sticking to the eyeball, seek medical aid immediately.
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b. Second Method.
(1) Tell the patient to look down horizontally along the center of the outer surface of the upper lid.
(2) Place a cotton-tipped applicator horizontally along center of the outer surface of the upper lid.
(3) Pull the lid forward and upward, rolling or folding it over the applicator.
(4) Look for foreign body or damage to eyeball while folding the lid over the applicator.
(a) Bandage eye and transport to the nearest medical treatment facility (MTF), if the foreign body is not exposed.
(b) If the foreign body has adhered to the cornea over the iris or the pupil:
1 Do not try to remove it.
2 Put a bandage over both eyes.
3 Evacuate the patient to the nearest MTF.
