Dix Needle and Gouge

Description

Dix Needle and Gouge

The Dix needle and gouge is a hand instrument for superficial foreign bodies on the cornea. It pairs a fine needle point with a small gouge. Clinicians use it at the slit lamp, often after a drop of local anesthetic, to lift out grit or metal flecks.

Dix needle point

A needle point gets under the edge of a small embedded speck. You then tease the speck up and away from the surface. Because the tip is fine, it suits tiny particles that sit just in the outer layer.

Dix gouge end

The gouge has a small cupped end. It scoops or scrapes away material that the needle cannot lift on its own. For example, some clinicians use a gouge to clear residue after removing a metal fleck.

Using it with care

• Work under magnification at the slit lamp
• Approach the cornea at a shallow angle
• Keep the hand braced on the patient’s cheek
• Stop if the foreign body sits deep

Who keeps one

Eye clinics, urgent care teams and emergency departments often keep a foreign body tool on hand. The Dix pattern is a simple, proven shape for this task.

Dix tip cleaning

Flush the Dix tip promptly, since small bits can stick to the gouge. Then dry it and check the point under a loupe. A bent or blunt tip makes removal harder, so replace it if needed.

The Dix tool ships non-sterile; clean and sterilize it before the first patient and between uses. Its point and cup use stainless that follows ASTM F899. A Dix purchase also brings cover for three years against manufacturing defects; Dix points and handles both count. See our ophthalmic range, the multi-option needle, spud and gouge, or our questions and answers.

The Dix tool is for professional use only. Review our Dix care advice and shipping info page before ordering.