Foreign Body Sensation in the Eye: When to Seek Help

Q: Foreign Body Sensation in the Eye: When to Seek Help

Hello： These symptoms may involve the ocular structures or could be related to some changes on the surface of the eye. <br>A thorough examination is necessary to determine the nature of this small white spot and whether further treatment is required. <br>Therefore, you should see

Foreign body sensation in the eye?

There seems to be a small transparent white particle about 0.1 cm in size in the sclera between the corner of the right eye and the eyeball.
I usually don't feel it, but there is a slight foreign body sensation when my eyelid touches it.
Should I continue to observe it, or should I see an ophthalmologist immediately? Would using artificial tears be helpful? Thank you!

Li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/13

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: These symptoms may involve the ocular structures or could be related to some changes on the surface of the eye.
A thorough examination is necessary to determine the nature of this small white spot and whether further treatment is required.
Therefore, you should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
As for artificial tears, they are typically used to relieve dryness or discomfort in the eyes.
However, since your symptoms involve a small white spot on the sclera, artificial tears may not address this issue.
Before undergoing an ophthalmological examination, I recommend temporarily avoiding self-medication to prevent any impact on the diagnosis.

Reply Date: 2023/11/13

More Info

When it comes to experiencing a foreign body sensation in the eye, particularly with the presence of a small, transparent particle in the eye, it is essential to approach the situation with caution. Based on your description, it seems that you have a small white particle located between the corner of your right eye and the eyeball itself. You mentioned that you do not feel it most of the time, but it causes a slight foreign body sensation when your eyelid comes into contact with it.

When to Seek Help
1. Persistent Symptoms: If the sensation of a foreign body persists or worsens, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Continuous discomfort, especially if it escalates to pain, redness, or swelling, could indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

2. Changes in Vision: If you experience any changes in your vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or any sudden loss of vision, you should seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition.

3. Increased Discomfort: If the foreign body sensation becomes more pronounced or painful, or if you notice any discharge from the eye, it is crucial to consult an eye care professional.
4. Duration of Symptoms: If the sensation lasts for more than a few days without improvement, it is wise to get it checked out.

Self-Care Measures
- Artificial Tears: Using artificial tears can be beneficial. They can help lubricate the eye and may alleviate the sensation of dryness or irritation caused by the foreign body. However, if the particle is indeed a foreign body, artificial tears may not remove it.

- Avoid Rubbing: It is important not to rub your eyes, as this can exacerbate irritation or potentially push a foreign body deeper into the eye.

- Observation: If the sensation is mild and you do not experience any other symptoms, you may choose to observe for a short period. However, if there is no improvement or if symptoms worsen, it is best to seek medical advice.

Potential Causes
The small white particle you described could be several things, including:
- Pinguecula: A common, benign growth on the conjunctiva that can appear as a small, yellowish-white bump. It is often caused by sun exposure, wind, or dust.

- Pterygium: A growth of fleshy tissue that can develop on the conjunctiva and may extend onto the cornea. This condition can cause discomfort and vision issues if it grows large enough.

- Foreign Body: It could also be a small piece of debris or a foreign body that has become lodged in the eye.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while it may be tempting to wait and see if the sensation resolves on its own, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to eye health. If you have any doubts or if the symptoms change, do not hesitate to consult an eye care professional. They can perform a thorough examination to determine the nature of the particle and recommend appropriate treatment. Your eye health is paramount, and timely intervention can prevent potential complications.

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