Learn about Corneal Foreign Body Removal Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Corneal Foreign Body Removal and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Corneal Foreign Body Removal

Corneal foreign body removal is a critical ophthalmic procedure performed by an ophthalmologist to safely extract debris or particles embedded in the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Common foreign bodies include metal shavings, wood splinters, sand, or glass. The procedure is essential to prevent infection, scarring, and permanent vision impairment. Using specialized tools like a slit lamp for magnification and fine instruments such as a spud or needle, the ophthalmologist numbs the eye with topical anesthesia before gently lifting or irrigating the particle away. Prompt removal minimizes the risk of complications like corneal ulcers or rust rings, ensuring a swift recovery and preservation of clear vision.

Key Highlights

    Quick, in-office procedure typically completed within minutes.Prevents serious complications like infection, scarring, or vision loss.Performed under topical anesthesia for minimal patient discomfort.Utilizes precise, microscopic techniques to protect healthy corneal tissue.Often resolves symptoms like pain, redness, and tearing rapidly.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Presence of a visible particle (e.g., metal, wood, insect wing, sand) on or embedded in the cornea.
  • Patient symptoms including sudden eye pain, foreign body sensation, excessive tearing, redness, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light (photophobia).
  • Evidence of a corneal abrasion or ulcer caused by the foreign material.
  • Prevention of a 'rust ring' from metallic particles, which can cause ongoing inflammation.
  • Risk of infection (microbial keratitis) from contaminated objects.

How to prepare

  • A comprehensive eye examination using a slit lamp to locate and assess the depth of the foreign body.
  • Administration of topical anesthetic eye drops to numb the cornea and eliminate pain during the procedure.
  • Patient is positioned comfortably with their chin on the slit lamp rest and forehead against the bar.
  • The ophthalmologist may instill a yellow dye (fluorescein) to make the foreign body and any abrasion more visible.
  • Discussion of the steps involved to ensure patient cooperation, which is crucial for safety.

Risks & possible complications

  • Corneal abrasion or a small scratch from the removal instrument.
  • Infection leading to a corneal ulcer, though antibiotic drops are prescribed to mitigate this risk.
  • Formation or persistence of a rust ring from metallic particles, possibly requiring a second procedure.
  • Minor bleeding or inflammation in the eye.
  • Scarring of the cornea, which could potentially affect vision if centrally located.
  • Very rare risk of corneal perforation, especially with deeply embedded objects.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Application of antibiotic eye drops or ointment for several days to prevent infection.
  • Use of prescribed anti-inflammatory or cycloplegic drops to reduce pain and discomfort.
  • A protective eye patch may be recommended for the first few hours or overnight.
  • Avoid rubbing the eye and wear protective eyewear during risky activities.
  • Follow-up appointment within 24-48 hours to ensure proper healing and check for complications.
  • Mild discomfort, tearing, and light sensitivity are common for the first 1-2 days.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 1-3 days for symptom resolution; complete corneal healing typically takes 2-7 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering corneal foreign body removal in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for corneal foreign body removal compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 17 – USD 88 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 1-3 days for symptom resolution; complete corneal healing typically takes 2-7 days. Know More
Turkey USD 123 – USD 656 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 1-3 days for symptom resolution; complete corneal healing typically takes 2-7 days. Know More

Top hospitals for Corneal Foreign Body Removal in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing corneal foreign body removal.

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89+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
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2882+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Krishna Smith, a 28-year-old carpenter, was...

Krishna Smith, a 28-year-old carpenter, was sanding a piece of oak without his safety glasses when he felt a sharp, sudden pain in his right eye. He immediately flushed it with water at the job site, but the intense sensation of something scratching his eyelid with every blink persisted. By evening, his eye was red, watery, and painfully sensitive to light. At the urgent care clinic, the physician saw a tiny, embedded metallic speck on his cornea and referred him to an ophthalmologist. Dr. Lee confirmed it was a small steel shaving. Krishna was anxious, worried about permanent damage to his vision, which he relies on for his precise work. In the procedure room, after numbing drops, Dr. Lee used a slit lamp and a sterile needle to gently lift the particle off. The sensation was one of immense pressure but no pain. Immediately after, the scratching sensation was gone. With antibiotic drops and a follow-up in 48 hours, his eye healed completely. Krishna felt a wave of relief and profound gratitude. He now wears his safety glasses without fail and carries a deep respect for the delicate nature of his sight.

Ophthalmologists for Corneal Foreign Body Removal

Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform corneal foreign body removal and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. M Gurudutt Kamath
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. ML Sujatha
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ritu Gadia
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vishal Arora
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Kailash Chhabria
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rajesh Nayak
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nikhila Sathe
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sandhya Nayak
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sudipta Mitra
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Tripti Kolhatkar
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Dukhabandu Panigrahy
  • Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gladys Reshma Rodrigues
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Roshmi Gupta
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vanuli Bajpai
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Udbuddha Dutta
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Amandeep Garg
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rashmi Shirwant
  • 3 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayanti V Iyengar
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ajanta Chakravarty
  • 32 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pravin Kumar Singh
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated