I’ll never forget a frantic call from a young man in Ikoyi last Saturday. While jogging near a construction site, a gust of wind sent a sharp piece of grit directly into his eye. His first instinct? To rub it vigorously. “Stop!” I urged him over the phone. Rubbing can turn a minor irritation into a painful corneal abrasion.
If this happens to you, stay calm. First, wash your hands thoroughly. Try to blink repeatedly; often, your natural tears will flush the object out. If that fails, use a gentle stream of clean water or saline solution to rinse the eye.
In his case, the grit was stubborn. Because he experienced persistent redness and a “scratchy” sensation even after rinsing, he came into our clinic. We safely removed a tiny speck of debris that could have caused real damage if left alone.
If the object is embedded, or if your vision stays blurred, don’t wait. Seeking professional care immediately ensures your “small” problem doesn’t become a permanent one.