Foreign Body in the Eye Sounds Mild, Until It Isn’t.
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 hours ago
When Something Gets in Your Child’s Eye and You Are Not Sure What to Do
It might happen during outdoor play, a windy walk home or while doing crafts. Your child suddenly blinks rapidly or cries out that something is in their eye. As a parent, it can be hard to know how serious it is or what to do next. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we help families manage these unexpected moments with calm, child-focused care.
Foreign body cases are common in children, and while many are mild, some may need medical attention to prevent irritation, infection or damage. We are here to help you understand when observation is enough and when a visit to the clinic is best.
What Is a Foreign Body in the Eye
A foreign body refers to any object that enters the eye from outside. This can include:
Dust, sand or dirt particles
Eyelashes or small fibres
Bits of plants, twigs or leaves
Small toys, glitter or craft materials
Tiny insects or fragments from the environment
Most foreign bodies rest on the surface of the eye or under the eyelid, but in rare cases they can become embedded in the eye’s surface, which requires prompt care.
What You Might Notice
Children may react immediately when something enters their eye, or they may become increasingly uncomfortable if it goes unnoticed at first. Here are signs to look out for:
Sudden Discomfort or Tearing
Your child may blink rapidly, rub their eye, or show signs of pain. You might notice increased tearing or sensitivity to light.
Redness or Swelling
The eye may look red, especially around the inner rim or under the eyelid. Some swelling or puffiness might occur if the child continues rubbing.
Reluctance to Open the Eye
Your child might keep one eye closed or avoid looking around. They may become tearful, especially if the discomfort persists or worsens.
How We Support Your Child at Joyful Seeds
At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic, we create a safe, calm environment to examine and care for children who have something in their eye. We know these moments can be frightening, so our care is always grounded in patience, reassurance and clear explanations.
Your child’s care may include:
A careful eye examination using a light and magnification
Gentle eyelid eversion to check under the lids
Removal of any visible foreign object using sterile tools
Eye rinsing with safe saline solution to soothe irritation
Observation for signs of corneal scratches or infection
Follow-up care if symptoms persist or eye drops are needed
Dr Charmaine Teo and Dr Martha Liu offer calm, steady care that helps children feel secure and parents feel confident in knowing the right steps have been taken.
Supporting Parents Through Sudden Accidents
We understand how unsettling it can be when your child is in sudden discomfort, especially when it involves the eyes. At Joyful Seeds, we help you respond with care. We will also guide you on what to avoid, such as:
Do not let your child rub the eye further
Do not try to remove a deeply embedded object
Do not use tap water, sharp tools or cotton buds at home
We will teach you how to look out for changes after the incident and when to return if discomfort continues.
Let Us Help You Protect Your Child’s Vision and Comfort
If your child has something in their eye and you are unsure of what to do, we welcome you to visit us. At Joyful Seeds Paediatric & Development Clinic in Bukit Timah, we provide safe, thoughtful care that eases discomfort and supports your child’s recovery. Whether it is a small speck or something more, we are here to help you care for your child’s eyes with confidence.
