Troubled by a Reno Eye Injury or Foreign Body in the Eye?
Few moments in life are more irritating -- literally -- than when you get something in your eye. A foreign body in the eye can range from the temporary discomfort of a lost eyelash or speck of dust to infection threats from cosmetics or even serious injury from splinters or other sharp objects. Fortunately, our eye care team at Kopolow & Girisgen Doctors of Optometry can provide prompt, efficient relief and treatment for this problem.
The term "foreign body" simply refers to anything in the eye that doesn't belong there, either as an anatomical feature or as a corrective agent such as contact lenses or eye drops. These objects land on either the cornea (the clear, spherical "window" over the pupil and lens that refracts incoming light) or the conjunctiva (a thin membrane that rests on the sclera of the eye and inside the eyelid).
Many foreign bodies, such as dust particles or the occasional eyelash, are harmless enough and are naturally washed out via the eye's own tear production; bits of dried mucous may dissolve on exposure to tears. Larger or harder objects, however, may do significant damage to the delicate tissues of the cornea. Corneal abrasions from sawdust or other types of grit may cause scarring or lead to secondary infections in the eye, while traces of cosmetics may contain traces of bacteria that produce conjunctivitis. Sharp foreign bodies such as glass shards can cause severe, sight-robbing injuries.
Your Reno Optometrist Can Perform Foreign Body Removal
Minor cases of foreign body removal may be as simple as washing your eye out with artificial tears or warm water to expel a stray eyelash or dust particle. A clear-cut emergency such as glass launched into the eye calls for an immediate trip to your local ER. But if you're not sure how trivial or serious your foreign body problem may be, bring it to our trusted eye care team at Kopolow & Girisgen Doctors of Optometry.
Your Reno optometrist at our eye care facility can perform a careful eye exam, locating and removing the offending object. We can also examine the front of your eye under a slit lamp to look for signs of corneal abrasions that may call for treatment. If you have conjunctivitis as the result of bacterial infiltration, we may prescribe antibiotics and/or home care treatments to help you get over your infection as quickly and comfortably as possible. A more serious Reno eye injury may require a referral to an eye surgeon or hospital. Whatever your situation, we will make sure you get the right eye care to protect your vision and relieve your discomfort.
Visit Our Reno Optometrist
Call Kopolow & Girisgen Doctors of Optometry at our LensCrafters location at (775) 826-4100 for an eye exam and foreign body removal. The sooner your Reno optometrist can get that foreign body out, the better!