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- $Unique_ID{BRK00369}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Recommended Methods for Removing Eye Specks}
- $Subject{special procedure procedures first aid speck eye eyes specks
- occupational environment protection safety goggles blinking rapidly remove
- removal removed moistened clean handkerchief gauze cotton swab flush sterile
- water eyewash artificial tears infection infections sensation eyelid eyeball}
- $Volume{P-21}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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- Recommended Methods for Removing Eye Specks
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- QUESTION: Every so often I get a speck of dirt in my eyes at work. When I
- try to remove it alone, I get several unrequested tips for getting the
- irritating speck out. I decided you might be the person to ask for the
- correct manner to employ in this regard. What is the recommended method?
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- ANSWER: I suppose the method that works best may be considered the method of
- choice, and there are lots of ways of doing it right, as well as many that can
- cause more harm than good. Too begin, if your occasional problems stem from
- an occupational environment where there is a lot of specks flying around, it
- may well be that you require real eye protection, safety goggles on the job.
- If, however, there are just the ordinary hazards to deal with, here are some
- tips for ridding yourself of the annoying speck. First try blinking rapidly,
- to produce some tears and hopefully wash the speck away. If this doesn't
- solve the problem, you will need lots of light and a good mirror to look into,
- leaving both hands free. To remove a speck you have to find it. If it feels
- like it is under the lower lid, pull the lower eyelid down and away from the
- eyeball, and see if you can spot the offending particle. If it feels as if it
- is under the upper lid, pull the eyelid down and away from the eyeball and
- fold the eyelid back up, using a swab or paper clip to help. There is a piece
- of cartilage in the upper lid that will help. If the speck can be observed,
- it can be removed using a moistened clean handkerchief, piece of gauze or
- cotton swab. If such maneuvers are not effective, try to flush the particle
- out with sterile water, eyewash or artificial tears. All of these struggles
- are much easier with someone to help you. However, if these simple steps do
- not work, you are best advised to have a professional look in that eye. There
- are times when infections may be present which just provoke a sensation of a
- nonexistent speck that warrant special care.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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