Bug in the Eye: Immediate Steps, Complications, and When to See a Doctor

Self‑Care (Do First)

• Do NOT rub.
• Blink repeatedly; pull upper lid over lower to induce tears.
• Irrigate with sterile saline or clean water (eyecup or gentle stream).
• Artificial tears for lubrication.

Red Flags → Urgent Ophthalmology/ER

• Persistent foreign body sensation after irrigation.
• Pain, photophobia, blurred vision.
• Visible corneal abrasion (fluorescein stain).
• Hyphema, pupil irregularity, deep foreign body.

Complications

• Corneal abrasion/ulcer.
• Conjunctivitis.
• Intraocular penetration (rare but vision‑threatening).