# Foreign Body in Eye - Category: chronic - Review status: reviewed (every claim checked against a document named on this page) - Sources: Corneal Foreign Body - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536977/ · ICPC-3 (WONCA International Classification of Primary Care, 3rd edition) class FD37 - condition scope only, no dose · MSF Essential Drugs 2024 (oxybuprocaine 0.4% eye drops monograph) · Exocin 3 mg/ml Eye Drops (ofloxacin 0.3%) SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 1353) · Hypromellose ophthalmic solution, US over-the-counter label, Directions (DailyMed SetID 00da365d-2988-9c9e-e063-6294a90a8931) · MSF Essential Drugs 2024 (oxybuprocaine eye drops monograph) - removal of foreign bodies is a named indication, dosed as up to 3 drops of the 0.4% single-use solution into the conjunctival sac, one to two minutes apart. Egypt registers the same molecule under its other international name, benoxinate: BENOX, BOXINATE, SELECTOCAINE and BENOXIDIA, all 0.4%. · Exocin 3 mg/ml Eye Drops (ofloxacin 0.3%) SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 1353) - one to two drops every two to four hours for the first two days, then four times daily, at all ages, with the course not to exceed ten days. · Hypromellose ophthalmic solution (Vista Gonio Eye Lubricant), US over-the-counter label, Directions (DailyMed SetID 00da365d-2988-9c9e-e063-6294a90a8931) - instil 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed. - Verified date: 2026-08 ## Verified against - Corneal Foreign Body - disease-level clinical article (eye-foreign-body-clinical.txt) - MSF Essential Drugs 2024 (oxybuprocaine 0.4% eye drops monograph) - Exocin 3 mg/ml Eye Drops (ofloxacin 0.3%) SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 1353) - Hypromellose ophthalmic solution, US over-the-counter label, Directions (DailyMed SetID 00da365d-2988-9c9e-e063-6294a90a8931) - MSF Essential Drugs 2024 (oxybuprocaine eye drops monograph) - removal of foreign bodies is a named indication, dosed as up to 3 drops of the 0.4% single-use solution into the conjunctival sac, one to two minutes apart. Egypt registers the same molecule under its other international name, benoxinate: BENOX, BOXINATE, SELECTOCAINE and BENOXIDIA, all 0.4%. - Exocin 3 mg/ml Eye Drops (ofloxacin 0.3%) SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 1353) - one to two drops every two to four hours for the first two days, then four times daily, at all ages, with the course not to exceed ten days. - Hypromellose ophthalmic solution (Vista Gonio Eye Lubricant), US over-the-counter label, Directions (DailyMed SetID 00da365d-2988-9c9e-e063-6294a90a8931) - instil 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed. ## Treatment metadata - Benoxinate — eye - Ofloxacin — eye - Referral & safety-netting (no drug therapy) - Hypromellose — eye ## Complete treatment card ```text FOREIGN BODY IN EYE Sources: Corneal Foreign Body - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536977/ · ICPC-3 (WONCA International Classification of Primary Care, 3rd edition) class FD37 - condition scope only, no dose · MSF Essential Drugs 2024 (oxybuprocaine 0.4% eye drops monograph) · Exocin 3 mg/ml Eye Drops (ofloxacin 0.3%) SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 1353) · Hypromellose ophthalmic solution, US over-the- counter label, Directions (DailyMed SetID 00da365d-2988-9c9e-e063-6294a90a8931) · MSF Essential Drugs 2024 (oxybuprocaine eye drops monograph) - removal of foreign bodies is a named indication, dosed as up to 3 drops of the 0.4% single-use solution into the conjunctival sac, one to two minutes apart. Egypt registers the same molecule under its other international name, benoxinate: BENOX, BOXINATE, SELECTOCAINE and BENOXIDIA, all 0.4%. · Exocin 3 mg/ml Eye Drops (ofloxacin 0.3%) SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 1353) - one to two drops every two to four hours for the first two days, then four times daily, at all ages, with the course not to exceed ten days. · Hypromellose ophthalmic solution (Vista Gonio Eye Lubricant), US over-the-counter label, Directions (DailyMed SetID 00da365d-2988-9c9e-e063-6294a90a8931) - instil 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed. Review status: REVIEWED against Corneal Foreign Body - disease-level clinical article (eye-foreign- body-clinical.txt), MSF Essential Drugs 2024 (oxybuprocaine 0.4% eye drops monograph), Exocin 3 mg/ml Eye Drops (ofloxacin 0.3%) SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 1353), Hypromellose ophthalmic solution, US over-the-counter label, Directions (DailyMed SetID 00da365d-2988-9c9e-e063-6294a90a8931), MSF Essential Drugs 2024 (oxybuprocaine eye drops monograph) - removal of foreign bodies is a named indication, dosed as up to 3 drops of the 0.4% single-use solution into the conjunctival sac, one to two minutes apart. Egypt registers the same molecule under its other international name, benoxinate: BENOX, BOXINATE, SELECTOCAINE and BENOXIDIA, all 0.4%., Exocin 3 mg/ml Eye Drops (ofloxacin 0.3%) SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 1353) - one to two drops every two to four hours for the first two days, then four times daily, at all ages, with the course not to exceed ten days., Hypromellose ophthalmic solution (Vista Gonio Eye Lubricant), US over-the-counter label, Directions (DailyMed SetID 00da365d-2988-9c9e-e063-6294a90a8931) - instil 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed. (2026-08) IS IT THIS? - reference only, to read alongside your own examination SYMPTOMS - what the patient reports (6) - Symptoms typically start suddenly, with ongoing discomfort that does not ease on its own - Patients report tearing, redness, a gritty sensation, pain whether the eye is open or shut, light sensitivity, and mild blurring without real vision loss [eye discharge · photophobia · redness] - A recent history of hammering, grinding, or similar work is common, and some patients can point to where it entered - Most patients misjudge exactly where the foreign body sensation is coming from [foreign body] - The complaint is sudden discomfort, the feeling of something in the eye, redness, streaming tears and being unable to keep the eye open [foreign body · redness] - Pain, dislike of light, watering and blurred vision are the rule, and infection or corneal scarring afterwards can cost the sight for good [blurred vision · eye pain · photophobia · scarring] SIGNS - what you find (6) - A foreign body retained over 24 hours can trigger white cells in the cornea or anterior chamber, and visible blood layering raises concern for a ruptured globe [foreign body] - Redness is usually localized to the area right around the embedded material [redness] - A metallic fragment can leave a rust deposit on the cornea - A positive Seidel sign shows fluid streaming from the injury site, pointing to a perforated globe - Look for a break in the corneal surface, the object itself, a swollen cornea, a rust ring where the fragment was metal, infiltrate in the front of the stroma, or a melting cornea - Red flag: if it has gone deeper it can cause uveitis after the injury, bleeding into the vitreous, or endophthalmitis [bleeding] TESTS (6) - Fluorescein dye highlights corneal surface defects and hidden abrasions or debris - A plain x-ray is used when a metallic fragment is suspected but the exam does not confirm it - MRI should not be used when a metallic foreign body might be present - MRI is reserved for suspected nonmetallic material like wood or plastic, given its soft-tissue detail - A CBC with differential is checked if presentation is delayed or a deep eye infection is suspected - Corneal scrapings are Gram-stained, KOH-prepped, and cultured when organic material is involved IF NOT THIS - what else fits (8) - A simple corneal abrasion from trauma can mimic foreign body symptoms without any retained material - A corneal ulcer shows infiltration alongside the pain and photophobia - Branching dendritic ulcers on the cornea point to herpetic keratitis rather than a retained foreign body - Episodic surface defects with a prior history of similar erosion suggest recurrent corneal erosion - A raised pinguecula or pterygium growth can look like a lodged foreign body - A full-thickness globe rupture from the trauma needs emergency surgery to save vision - Acid or alkali chemical exposure needs immediate irrigation and is distinguished by that exposure history - A history of welding or sunlamp exposure points to UV keratitis rather than a retained foreign body Source StatPearls "Corneal Foreign Body" - disease-level clinical article Status traced to the source above Rx: Topical anaesthetic, to examine and remove | Antibiotic prophylaxis after removal | Main treatment | Ocular lubricant while the surface heals TOPICAL ANAESTHETIC, TO EXAMINE AND REMOVE 1. BENOXINATE [1st line] Adult Up to 3 drops of the 0.4% solution into the conjunctival sac, each one to two minutes apart. Anaesthesia starts within a minute and lasts 10 to 20 minutes. - One application at the time of the examination, and no more Peds The same instillation in a child - a surface anaesthetic has no weight-based dose. The vial is single use and is discarded afterwards. A protective shield rather than a patch is sensible in a small child, because rubbing the anaesthetised eye is what does the damage. Source MSF Essential Drugs 2024 (oxybuprocaine eye drops monograph) - removal of foreign bodies is a named indication, dosed as up to 3 drops of the 0.4% single-use solution into the conjunctival sac, one to two minutes apart. Egypt registers the same molecule under its other international name, benoxinate: BENOX, BOXINATE, SELECTOCAINE and BENOXIDIA, all 0.4%. Why The corneal foreign body article puts removal under topical anaesthesia and says a topical anaesthetic should be given for pain relief during the examination. MSF carries foreign-body removal as a named indication for the same drug and states the number of drops, so the use and the amount both come from documents that were opened. Caution Never hand an anaesthetic eye drop to a patient to take home. MSF states that repeated use risks severe and permanent corneal damage, and the article records the same for topical tetracaine, reserving it to the first one to two hours. For pain after the procedure, give an oral analgesic - that is MSF's own instruction. Wait 15 minutes after instilling it before putting any other eye drop in. Refer the same day, before touching the eye, if the object is embedded or metallic, if the injury was high-velocity, or if globe penetration is possible. Check tetanus immunisation and give prophylaxis where it is due - the article singles out injuries involving organic foreign bodies. Egypt BENOX 0.4% EYE DROPS 10 ML EIPICO 23.00 EGP BOXINATE 0.4% EYE DROPS 10 ML ALEXANDRIA 23.00 EGP SELECTOCAINE 0.4% EYE DROPS 10*0.5 ML SDU GLOBAL ADVANCED PHARMACEUTICAL... 40.00 EGP BENOXIDIA 0.4% EYE DROPS 30*0.5ML SDU ORCHIDIA 45.00 EGP ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS AFTER REMOVAL 2. OFLOXACIN [1st line] Adult 1 to 2 drops of the 0.3% solution into the affected eye every 2 to 4 hours for the first 2 days, then 4 times daily x 5 to 7 days, and never more than 10 Peds The label gives one dose for all ages: 1 to 2 drops every 2 to 4 hours for the first two days, then four times daily. Safety and effectiveness below one year of age are not established, and the label says data are very limited in neonates. Source Exocin 3 mg/ml Eye Drops (ofloxacin 0.3%) SmPC section 4.2 (eMC product 1353) - one to two drops every two to four hours for the first two days, then four times daily, at all ages, with the course not to exceed ten days. Why The corneal foreign body article calls for prophylactic broad-spectrum antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones after removal, reports that 90% of bacteria cultured from these injuries were sensitive to fluoroquinolone drops, and asks specifically for anti- pseudomonal cover in a contact lens wearer, which ofloxacin gives. Eight 0.3% ophthalmic products are marketed in Egypt. Caution Stop and reassess rather than extending the course - the label caps it at ten days. An eye patch is contraindicated in a contact lens wearer and after an organic foreign body, because it raises the risk of infection; the article also reports a randomised trial in which patching changed neither time to comfort nor time to healing. A retained rust ring or a centrally placed foreign body needs ophthalmology within 24 hours. A peripheral one with nothing retained can be reviewed in 2 to 3 days. Avoid in known quinolone hypersensitivity. Egypt QUIFLURO 0.3% EYE DROPS 5 ML PHAROPHARMA 6.00 EGP OFLOXIN 0.3% EYE DROPS 5 ML KAHIRA 7.00 EGP OFLOXACIN 0.3% EYE DROPS 10 ML SIGMA TEC 7.50 EGP OFLICIN 0.3% EYE DROPS 5 ML MEMPHIS 8.00 EGP OFLOSWIX 0.3% EYE DROPS 5 ML CHEMIPHARM 12.00 EGP OCUFLOX 0.3% EYE DROPS 5 ML ALEXANDRIA 19.50 EGP OPTIFLOX 0.3% EYE DROPS 5 ML JAMJOOM PHARM... 19.50 EGP OFLOX 0.3% EYE DROPS 5 ML ALLERGAN > SO... 20.40 EGP MAIN TREATMENT 3. REFERRAL & SAFETY-NETTING (NO DRUG THERAPY) [1st line] Adult A foreign object - commonly sand or dust in Cairo - on the surface of the eye; a GP can attempt simple removal and prescribe antibiotic drops afterward, referring if the object is embedded, metallic, or globe penetration is suspected. - Refer, with advice Peds The drug rows above are instilled, not dosed by weight. The referral threshold and the safety-netting are the same at any age. Source No dose - referral pathway, no medicine given in primary care Why A foreign object - commonly sand or dust in Cairo - on the surface of the eye; a GP can attempt simple removal and prescribe antibiotic drops afterward, referring if the object is embedded, metallic, or globe penetration is suspected. Caution The drug rows above are what the treating service gives. They are here so that the referral is an informed one and so the GP can recognise the regimen the patient comes back on - not as permission to start it without the referral. RED FLAG - MRI is strictly contraindicated if a metallic foreign body is suspected. RED FLAG - A visible metallic fragment or rust ring, an embedded or penetrating object or suspected rupture of the eyeball, or reduced vision after removal: refer urgently to ophthalmology. OCULAR LUBRICANT WHILE THE SURFACE HEALS - give alongside 4. HYPROMELLOSE [add-on - not a substitute] Adult 1 or 2 drops into the affected eye as needed - Until the surface has healed, usually a few days Peds 1 or 2 drops as needed, the same as an adult - a surface lubricant has no weight-based dose. Source Hypromellose ophthalmic solution (Vista Gonio Eye Lubricant), US over-the-counter label, Directions (DailyMed SetID 00da365d-2988-9c9e-e063-6294a90a8931) - instil 1 or 2 drops in the affected eye(s) as needed. Why The article's post-removal care is a prophylactic antibiotic, a cycloplegic for ciliary spasm and a lubricant, and it recommends lubricating drops or ointment to promote epithelial healing and ease discomfort. Four hypromellose products are marketed in Egypt. Caution A lubricant eases discomfort. It does not replace the antibiotic cover or the follow-up examination. Wait 15 minutes after an anaesthetic drop before instilling anything else. Worsening pain, falling vision or a white spot on the cornea after removal means an ulcer until proven otherwise, and needs same-day ophthalmology. Egypt HYDROBLEND 0.32% EYE DROPS 10*0.5 ML SDU GLOBAL ADVANCED PHARMACEUTICALS... 15.00 EGP GENTEAL EYE DROPS 10 ML NOVARTIS > NO... 18.00 EGP OPTILUBRIC 0.32% EYE DROPS 30*0.5 ML SDU EVA PHARMA 96.00 EGP HYDROBLEND 0.32% EYE DROPS 30*0.5 ML SDU GLOBAL ADVANCED PHARMACEUTICALS... 108.00 EGP Prices are indicative (dataset snapshot 2026-06); verify with the pharmacy. ``` --- Dawaa Reference is a reference for prescribers, not a medical device, and does not replace clinical judgement. [Privacy policy](/privacy)