Foreign body sensation. May be conjunctival, corneal or sub-tarsal (under the upper eyelid)

Injury by blunt object, e.g. fist, stone, etc. Blood in the front of the eye (anterior chamber hyphaema)

Typically by a sharp object, e.g. stick. Perforation of the ‘coat’ of the eye (cornea or sclera)

Laceration of lid margin or canaliculus

Acid, alkali or thermal injury to the eye

Usually normal but can be affected if central cornea is involved

Reduced

Reduced

Normal

Reduced

Foreign body is seen on conjunctiva or cornea, or under lid

Blood seen in anterior chamber. Pupil may be dilated

Cornea may be hazy and pupil may be distorted with uveal prolapse

Red eye and hazy cornea

2. Conjunctival or subtarsal foreign bodies can be removed with a clean cotton bud. For a corneal foreign body, use local anaesthetic first, then try and gently remove it with the corner of a clean piece of paper.

3. Apply antibiotic eye ointment

2. Recommend bed rest and offer pain relief. Analgesics must not contain aspirin

2. Give tetanus toxoid 0.5 ml immediately

2. Apply antibiotic eye ointment

3. Offer pain relief

Refer if the foreign body cannot be removed

Refer if the person’s vision is reduced, there is more bleeding inside the eye or the eye becomes more painful

Refer to an eye unit immediately

Refer to an eye unit to ensure surgery aligns the lid margin

Refer to an eye unit immediately