Stille Needle and Gouge

Description

Stille Needle and Gouge

The Stille needle and gouge is a slim instrument for removing small foreign bodies from the corneal surface. It combines a needle tip with a gouge. Many clinics keep one near the slit lamp for grit, dust and small metal flecks.

How the two ends share the work

First, the needle tip slides under the edge of the speck. Then you flick or lift it free. If a stain or crust remains, the gouge lets you clear it with light, short strokes.

A note on technique

Hold the tool like a pencil and brace your hand on the cheek. That way, if the patient moves, your hand moves with them. Also come in at a shallow angle so the tip skims the surface instead of digging.

When to refer instead

• The particle sits deep in the cornea
• There is any sign of a full thickness wound
• Vision is badly reduced
• The eye shows signs of infection

Stille or Dix?

Both patterns pair a needle with a gouge for the same job. In practice, the difference lies in feel and handle shape. So many clinics stock one of each and let staff choose.

Washing the Stille tip

Rinse the tip at once, then wash it with a soft brush. Next, dry it fully. Finally, check the needle point under magnification, because a dull point drags rather than lifts.

Stille instruments arrive non-sterile and are reusable after you clean and sterilize them. The handle and tip use stainless meeting ASTM F899. On top of that, each Stille tool has Stille cover for three years against manufacturing defects; Stille tips and joints count. Browse our eye care instruments, see the Dix version, or visit our FAQ hub.

Stille tools are for professional use. Our Stille sterilization help and delivery page cover the basics.