What is the first course of action if a solid material becomes lodged in the eye?

The appropriate first course of action when a solid material becomes lodged in the eye is to pull the top lid over the bottom lid. This action can help to dislodge the object by utilizing the natural movement of the eyelids, which may help push the foreign body out of the eye. Additionally, it can stimulate tears to flow, providing further lubrication and a chance for the eye to wash out the irritant.

While flushing the eye with water is a common response for many eye injuries, it is not the immediate action to take for a solid object because flushing might not effectively remove the foreign material and could potentially cause further irritation. Applying a sterile bandage is also a consideration after addressing the immediate danger but is not the first step to take when the object is still lodged. Seeking medical assistance immediately can be a crucial step afterward, but before doing so, it's important to first attempt to remove the object safely to prevent additional injury or complications.