65220 Removal of foreign body, external eye; corneal, without slit lamp

Name of the Procedure:

Removal of foreign body, external eye; corneal (without slit lamp)

Summary

This procedure involves removing a foreign object from the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, without using a slit lamp, which is a specialized microscope.

Purpose

The removal of the foreign body is crucial to alleviate discomfort, prevent infection, and avoid further damage to the cornea that could impair vision.

Indications

Common indications for this procedure include:

• Sudden eye pain or discomfort.
• Feeling of something lodged in the eye.
• Tearing, redness, or swelling.
• Decreased vision or light sensitivity.

Ideal candidates are those with a visible foreign object on the cornea that doesn't require magnification for removal.

Preparation

• Patients may need to refrain from rubbing the eye.
• An initial examination to determine the type and location of the foreign body.
• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are typically necessary.

Procedure Description

1. Numbing eye drops are administered to minimize discomfort.
2. The patient is positioned comfortably, usually seated.
3. The healthcare provider uses sterile tools such as cotton swabs, fine forceps, or irrigation techniques to carefully remove the foreign body.
4. The eye is thoroughly irrigated to ensure complete removal.
5. Antibiotic eye drops may be applied to prevent infection.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 10-20 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is commonly performed in an outpatient clinic or an emergency room.

Personnel

• An ophthalmologist or an emergency medicine physician usually performs the procedure.
• A nurse or a medical assistant may assist.

Risks and Complications

• Infection
• Corneal abrasion or minor scratches on the cornea
• Incomplete removal of the foreign body
• Temporary blurred vision
• Rarely, more severe eye damage if the foreign body is deeply embedded or improperly removed

Benefits

• Immediate relief from pain and discomfort.
• Prevention of potential infections and further corneal damage.
• Rapid return to normal vision.

Recovery

• Patients are advised to avoid touching or rubbing the eye.
• Use prescribed antibiotic drops as directed.
• Follow-up appointment may be scheduled to ensure proper healing.
• Most patients fully recover within a few days to a week.

Alternatives

• Use of a slit lamp for more precise examination and removal, particularly for smaller or embedded objects.
• Observation and natural expulsion, if the foreign body is superficial and likely to be washed out with tears.
• Surgical intervention for deeply embedded foreign objects.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients may feel mild pressure but should not experience significant discomfort due to the numbing eye drops. Post-procedure, patients may feel minor irritation or scratchiness that typically resolves quickly. Pain management usually isn't necessary beyond over-the-counter analgesics.