WHEN DO YOU SEE A DOCTOR?
If there is a blurring of vision or pain, see a doctor immediately. Otherwise, the discomfort should improve over one to two hours, said Dr Teo. “There might still be a mild sensation of irritation over the next 12 hours. However, if the symptoms do not improve or worsen, see your family doctor or eye doctor.”
WHAT PROCEDURE IS TYPICALLY DONE AT THE DOCTOR’S?
A general practitioner will use a torch to check for retained foreign bodies and corneal scratches, said Dr Teo.
At times, an ophthalmologist may be referred to to perform further assessments. In these instances, a slit-lamp microscopy examination is carried out to look for foreign bodies and examine the conjunctival fornices, said Assoc Prof Ang.
“We’ll also flush or irrigate the eye, invert the eyelids and look under the tarsal conjunctiva. And finally, exclude any corneal abrasion and evidence of infection.”