Guildford Eye Clinic · Foreign body removal · Surrey, BC
Metal, grit, sawdust, or a splinter on the surface of the eye is common and treatable. The most important thing is not to rub it. Call us first at (604) 229-9627 and we can examine the eye and safely remove what is there, with same-day urgent care when a doctor is available, inside Specsavers Guildford Town Centre.
What to do right now
Do not rub the eye. Rubbing can scratch the surface or push the object in deeper. Try blinking a few times, and a gentle rinse with clean water or saline can sometimes float a loose particle out.
If it still feels like something is there, if there is pain or light sensitivity, or if the object may be metal, do not keep trying at home. Call us first at (604) 229-9627 so we can take a proper look and remove it safely.
How we help
We numb the surface of the eye with drops first, so examining and removing the object is comfortable, not painful.
A metal fragment can leave a small rust ring on the eye. We can remove both the fragment and the rust ring and treat the surface.
We check the surface for a scratch, or corneal abrasion, and treat it to keep the eye comfortable and prevent infection while it heals.
We explain what to expect, provide any drops you need, and arrange a quick recheck if the eye needs follow up.
Cost and coverage
Removing a foreign object from the eye is a medically necessary visit, and medically necessary eye care is covered by MSP for all ages. We bill MSP directly where it applies, so urgent care is one less thing to worry about.
For other urgent eye problems such as a red eye, pain, or a sudden change in vision, see our emergency eye care page.
Good to know
Do not rub the eye, as that can scratch the surface or push the object in deeper. If you wear contact lenses and something is loose, you can take them out, but do not pull at anything that feels stuck. Call us first at (604) 229-9627 and we will get you seen quickly.
Yes. We can safely remove metal, grit, wood, and other foreign objects from the surface of the eye, and treat a rust ring that a metal fragment can leave behind. We numb the eye with drops first so the removal is comfortable.
It should be checked promptly, especially if there is pain, light sensitivity, or you cannot get the object out by gently blinking or rinsing. Call us first at (604) 229-9627 so we can examine the eye and remove what is there safely.
Removing a foreign object from the eye is a medically necessary visit, and medically necessary eye care is covered by MSP for all ages. We bill MSP directly where it applies.
Related services
Same-day urgent care when a doctor is available. Learn more.
New flashes or floaters need a prompt check. Learn more.
Do not rub the eye
Same-day urgent care when a doctor is available, often covered by MSP. Call (604) 229-9627 first so we can get you seen.
Call (604) 229-9627