Final answer:
Rubbing the eye when there is an object in it can indeed cause further damage, and it is safer to flush the eye with water or saline solution. Eye safety is critical, and individuals should be cautious to avoid causing excessive pressure on the eye, which could lead to serious eye diseases and conditions like glaucoma.
Step-by-step explanation:
When dealing with an object in the eye, rubbing the eye could indeed cause further injury. If we consider the force exerted on the eye by a mass of 680 g, which is roughly the weight of 1.5 lb, this would be sufficient to cause damage to the eye. For comparison, a normal force that the eye can comfortably tolerate would be the weight of about 120 g, which is less than one quarter of the 680 g force.
It is important to note that the cornea and other eye structures are very sensitive and can get easily irritated or damaged. Contact with chemicals, excessive force, or introducing changes to the normal microbiota can lead to various eye diseases and conditions. Moreover, individuals over 40 years of age are at a higher risk of developing conditions like glaucoma and should have their intraocular pressure tested routinely.
Eye safety is paramount, and rubbing an eye with a foreign object in it can push the object further into the eye or scratch the cornea, potentially leading to eye damage or infection. Instead, gently flush the eye with clean water or a saline solution, and if the object does not wash out or if pain or visual disturbances occur, seek medical attention immediately.