Eye Injuries: Foreign Body in the Eye (Grand Rapids, MI Guide)

A foreign body in the eye is any object that doesn’t belong there, such as:

  • Dust or sand (common with Grand Rapids’ windy days and road construction)
  • Wood chips or sawdust
  • Metal shavings (common in manufacturing and auto work)
  • Insects
  • Glass fragments
  • Plant material from yard work or gardening

Foreign bodies are most often found:

  • On the surface of the eye (cornea or conjunctiva)
  • Under the eyelid, especially the upper lid

People in the Grand Rapids area at higher risk include:

  • Construction workers, metalworkers, machinists, welders
  • Woodworkers, landscapers, and tree service workers
  • DIY home renovators and hobbyists using power tools
  • Anyone working outside in windy, dusty conditions (common around West Michigan job sites and during spring and fall yard cleanup)

Important: Do Not Remove a Foreign Body Yourself

Do not try to dig, scrape, or pick a foreign object out of your eye. This can:

  • Push the object deeper
  • Scratch or tear the cornea
  • Increase the risk of infection and permanent vision loss

If you suspect a foreign body in your eye in Grand Rapids, seek professional help right away from:

  • A local emergency department (e.g., Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
  • An urgent care clinic or eye clinic
  • Your optometrist or ophthalmologist

In a serious emergency, call 911.

Symptoms of a Foreign Body in the Eye

You may have:

  • Sharp pain in the eye, followed by burning or irritation
  • A feeling that something is stuck in your eye
  • Red, watery eye
  • Scratchy or gritty feeling when blinking
  • Blurred vision or reduced vision in the affected eye
  • Sensitivity to bright light (sunlight reflecting off snow or water can worsen this in Michigan)
  • Bleeding on the white of the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage)

Most foreign body injuries are minor and, with proper care, heal without long‑term problems. However, they can become serious if not treated correctly.

Possible Complications

Without prompt and proper treatment, a foreign body in the eye can cause:

  • Infection and scarring
  • Corneal abrasions (scratches)
  • Corneal ulcers – an open sore on the surface of the eye
  • Rust rings from metal objects
  • Penetration of the eye (object goes through the surface into the eyeball)
  • Corneal scarring and permanent vision loss

Metal Foreign Bodies and Rust

In West Michigan’s industrial and manufacturing jobs, metal shavings are a common cause of eye injuries. When metal stays in the eye:

  • It reacts with natural tears
  • A rust ring forms around the metal
  • This appears as a dark spot on the cornea
  • It can leave a scar that affects your vision

Even after the metal is removed, the rust ring may need to be cleaned out by an ophthalmologist in Grand Rapids.

Recurrent Corneal Erosion

Sometimes a corneal scratch does not heal smoothly. This can lead to:

  • Recurrent corneal erosion – repeated episodes of pain, tearing, and light sensitivity
  • Symptoms can occur months or even years after the original injury

This condition may require ongoing care from an ophthalmologist.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Help in Grand Rapids

Go to your nearest emergency department (such as Spectrum Health Butterworth or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) or call 911 if:

  • You have sudden loss of vision or significant visual disturbance
  • You see clear or bloody fluid leaking from the eyeball
  • Something has pierced the eye (nail, metal, glass, sharp object)
  • You cannot open your eye due to pain
  • You were injured while grinding, drilling, hammering metal, or using power tools
  • A chemical splash is involved

See your GP (primary care provider), optometrist, or urgent care the same day if:

  • You still have marked pain and tearing after the object has been removed
  • Your eye remains very red, sensitive to light, or vision is not normal
  • You are concerned for any reason

In Kent County, you can also contact the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for guidance on locating appropriate care.

How Foreign Bodies in the Eye Are Treated

In Grand Rapids, treatment is usually provided in:

  • Hospital emergency departments
  • Urgent care centers
  • Optometry or ophthalmology clinics

Medical Assessment

A doctor, nurse, or eye specialist will typically:

  1. Check your vision in both eyes
  2. Examine your eye with a bright light and magnification
  3. Flip your upper eyelid to look for hidden foreign bodies
  4. Use a dye (fluorescein) to highlight scratches on the cornea

If there is concern that something has penetrated the eye or orbit, imaging such as X‑rays or a CT scan may be ordered.

Removing the Foreign Body

Once located, the foreign body may be removed by:

  • Flushing the eye with sterile saline (salt water)
  • Gently lifting it off with a sterile tool after numbing the eye with anesthetic drops
  • Using specialized equipment if the object is deeper or near the center of vision

If the foreign body is central, deep, or complicated, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) in Grand Rapids for removal.

After Removal

Post‑treatment care may include:

  • Antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection
  • Lubricating drops to ease discomfort
  • Sometimes an eye patch to rest the eye (though patching is less commonly required now)

If an eye patch is used:

  • Do not drive until the patch is removed and your vision has returned to normal
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions on when to remove the patch (often the next day)

Your doctor may schedule a follow‑up visit to ensure:

  • The eye is healing properly
  • There is no infection or persistent rust ring
  • Your vision has returned to normal

Do not skip this follow‑up appointment.

Using Eye Drops and Ointments Safely

Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. General tips:

  1. Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
  2. Tilt your head back and pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
  3. For drops:
    • Rest your finger on your cheek for stability
    • Drop the liquid behind the lower eyelid, not directly on the eyeball
  4. For ointment:
    • Squeeze a small ribbon of ointment along the inside of the lower eyelid
  5. Do not let the bottle tip or tube touch your eye or lashes.
  6. Close your eyes gently for a few seconds after applying.

Typically:

  • Drops are used during the day
  • Ointment is used at night (it can blur vision temporarily)

Continue treatment until your doctor tells you to stop and your eye has fully healed.

Contact Lenses

  • Do not wear contact lenses until your doctor says it is safe
  • Some drops contain preservatives or medications that can damage contacts

Storage and Safety

  • Store drops and ointments as directed on the box or container
  • Keep all medications out of reach of children

Self‑Care at Home After Treatment

Mild discomfort, scratchiness, or tearing is common while the eye heals.

You can:

  • Take over‑the‑counter pain relievers (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen), following package directions and your doctor’s advice
  • Rest your eyes and avoid bright light or glare (snow and water reflections in Michigan winters and summers can be harsh)
  • Avoid rubbing or pressing on the eye

Do not:

  • Drive with an eye patch on – depth perception is reduced and it is unsafe
  • Return to machinery, power tools, or work at heights until your doctor clears you

Seek further medical care if pain worsens, vision changes, or redness and discharge increase.

Preventing Foreign Bodies in the Eye in Grand Rapids

The best way to prevent eye injuries is proper eye protection, especially in work and recreation common in West Michigan.

At Work and Home

  • Always wear safety glasses or goggles when:
    • Grinding, drilling, cutting, or hammering
    • Using lawn mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, or snow blowers
    • Working in dusty, windy conditions (e.g., construction sites, yard cleanup)
  • Use safety glasses or goggles with close‑fitting side shields when flying debris is likely.
  • Regular sunglasses or prescription glasses are not enough protection.
  • Do not stand or walk close to anyone who is:
    • Grinding or welding
    • Using power saws or sanders
    • Using lawn and garden equipment

If you work in a high‑risk industry in the Grand Rapids area:

  • Talk with your manager or supervisor about eye safety
  • Consult your workplace health and safety representative
  • Follow WorkSafe and OSHA guidelines for eye protection

During Sports and Recreation

  • Wear protective eyewear for sports where eye injuries are possible, such as:
    • Racquet sports (tennis, squash)
    • Hockey or baseball
    • Shooting sports
  • In winter, protect eyes from blowing snow and ice, especially during snow removal or winter sports.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you suspect a foreign body in your eye:

  • In an emergency, call 911
  • Go to the emergency department of:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) Butterworth Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health or Mercy Health facilities in the metro area
  • Contact:
    • Your GP (primary care provider)
    • Your optometrist or ophthalmologist
    • A local urgent care center

For workplace‑related eye injuries or safety questions:

  • Speak with your manager or safety officer
  • Consult WorkSafe Michigan or your company’s occupational health department

For general public health information and local resources:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health services

Key Points to Remember

  • Foreign bodies are commonly found under the eyelid or on the surface of the eye.
  • Many injuries are minor, but can lead to infection, scarring, and vision loss if not treated.
  • Do not try to remove a foreign body from your eye yourself.
  • Medical treatment generally includes:
    • Checking your vision
    • Locating and safely removing the foreign body
    • Using eye drops or ointments to prevent infection and aid healing
  • Continue all treatment until your eye has fully healed and your doctor says it is safe to stop.
  • Always wear proper eye protection at work, at home, and during sports to prevent eye injuries in Grand Rapids’ varied weather and work environments.