What should you do if someone has a small foreign object in their eye?

In cases of a small foreign object in the eye, encouraging the person to blink several times can often be beneficial. Blinking naturally aids in the removal of small particles as it stimulates the tears to flow. The tears can help wash away the foreign object or at least dislodge it from the surface of the eye, reducing discomfort and the risk of injury.

Rinsing the eye with water is typically recommended in cases of chemicals or larger particles but may not be effective for small objects, which could become lodged further. Rubbing the eye can cause scratches to the cornea or embed the foreign object deeper, leading to more serious injuries. Using a cotton swab or any other implement can introduce additional risk of further damage and should be avoided, as it can push the object deeper into the eye or cause abrasions. Thus, encouraging blinking is a safe and effective first response for small foreign objects in the eye.