Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care now if:
An object is embedded in or sticking out of the eye
The injury involved high-speed metal, drilling, grinding, hammering, an explosion, or shattered glass
Vision is suddenly reduced or lost
The pupil looks misshapen, or blood or fluid is coming from the eye
The eye has been cut or punctured
A chemical entered the eye
For a chemical splash, begin rinsing immediately with plenty of clean water and continue while emergency help is arranged.
For an embedded or penetrating object, do not remove it, press on the eye, or apply a patch that touches it.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange urgent same-day assessment if pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision continues after rinsing; you cannot keep the eye open; the object will not wash out; or symptoms are worsening.
Contact lens wearers with a painful red eye also need prompt assessment.
After treatment, get urgent advice if pain or redness increases, vision worsens, discharge develops, or symptoms do not improve as expected.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up may be enough after a healthcare professional removes a simple surface object when vision is normal and symptoms are steadily improving.
Brief irritation that completely clears after rinsing usually needs no ongoing care.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Eye - foreign object in. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.