(HealthDay News) -- A corneal abrasion occurs when the eye's cornea -- which protects the eye and helps focus light -- is scratched.

The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests how to avoid a corneal abrasion when there's something in your eye:

• Don't rub the eye to remove a foreign object.
• Rinse the eye with water or optical saline solution to try to flush out the object.
• Blink frequently.
• Gently pull your upper eyelid over the lower eyelid.
• If the object is on the white of your eye, use a clean cotton tissue or swab to carefully lift it off.
• Call the doctor if you can't remove the object.