If a patient has an embedded object in their eye, what should the patient avoid doing?

If a patient has an embedded object in their eye, they should avoid rubbing the eye because this action can cause further damage to the eye and lead to complications. Rubbing can increase intraocular pressure, displace the object deeper into the eye, or cause additional trauma to sensitive tissues. Maintaining stability and avoiding any movement that could exacerbate the injury is crucial.

While washing the eye with water and covering it may not be advisable depending on the situation, it could be relevant in some first-aid contexts, especially if there's a chemical consideration. Looking at bright lights may cause discomfort, but it does not pose the same immediate risk of further injury as rubbing does. Thus, the primary concern is to protect the eye from any additional harm, which is why refraining from rubbing is essential.