Schedule An Appointment

Symptom Checker

Something in a Child's Eye

A foreign object in the eye is any material that gets onto or under the eyelid or onto the surface of the eye. Dust, sand, eyelashes and small particles are common examples.

Outdoor debris, play, wind, construction materials and accidental contact can introduce particles into the eye. Even after the object comes out, a small corneal scratch can continue to cause pain or a gritty feeling.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Something in a Child's Eye

The AAP guide below explains safe rinsing, what not to touch and when your child needs an eye exam.

AAP Symptom CheckerSomething in the eye

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

Open on HealthyChildren.org

Symptom CheckerSomething in the eye New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Your child still feels something in the eye after thorough rinsing.
  • Your child cannot comfortably open the eye.
  • Vision is not normal after the eye is rinsed.
  • The object may be metal, glass, embedded or came into the eye at high speed.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • A penetrating object is stuck in the eye.
  • Your child has a major vision change or severe eye injury.
  • A chemical exposure affected the eye or another serious eye emergency is present.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on eyes

See all 164 symptoms