When used with prescription eye drops, these special lenses provide pain relief and sometimes can speed healing. In some cases, scratched corneas are treated with what's known as a bandage contact lens. Large, deep corneal abrasions take longer to heal and can cause a permanent scar that might affect vision. Superficial corneal abrasions tend to heal quickly, usually within two or three days.īut other corneal abrasions may require an antibiotic ointment that stays on the eye longer, a steroid to decrease inflammation and scarring, and something to relieve pain and light sensitivity. Minor abrasions sometimes can be treated with non-preserved lubricating drops to keep your eye moist and comfortable while your eye's natural healing process takes place.Īs a precaution, even superficial abrasions sometimes are also treated with antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection during healing. Treatment for a corneal abrasion depends on the severity of the wound and the cause. Another type of eye drop may be used to help your doctor see the extent of the abrasion when viewing your eye with a blue light and an examining microscope called a slit lamp.ĭepending on what may have caused the scratch and what your doctor sees during the exam, your eye might be gently swabbed for a culture to ensure proper treatment in the event of infection. To diagnose a corneal abrasion, your eye doctor may apply an eye drop to numb your eye so you can keep it open for the exam. Microorganisms such as Acanthamoeba have been found in tap water and even bottled water, and these pathogens can cause a serious, vision-threatening infection if introduced to an eye with a scratched cornea.Īfter flushing the eye, if redness, pain or foreign body sensation continues, seek immediate attention because corneal abrasions can cause serious harm in as little as 24 hours. If possible, rinse your eye with a sterile saline eye wash or a multipurpose contact lens solution rather than tap water or bottled water. This can speed bacterial growth and increase the risk of an eye infection. If you get something in your eye, you can attempt to flush it out with water, but don't rub your eye.Īlso, don't cover your eye with a patch. People have a tendency to rub their eyes when they feel like something is "in" them, but this can make matters much worse. If you think you may have suffered a corneal abrasion and are experiencing any of these symptoms, see an eye doctor right away.
Sometimes, a corneal abrasion can be so uncomfortable that it causes nausea. In addition to pain and a gritty sensation, other signs and symptoms of a corneal abrasion include: Even a very small corneal abrasion can be extremely painful and feel much larger in size - as if you have a big, rough object in your eye. The cornea is one of the most sensitive parts of your body. So can wearing your contacts too long or while you are sleeping. Poorly fitting, damaged or dirty contact lenses also can cause a scratched cornea. When you wake up and open your eyes, your eyelids rubbing across the dry surface of your eye can cause a corneal abrasion. If your eyes dry out while you are sleeping, your eyelids may stick to your cornea. Sand, dust and other small particles can cause a corneal abrasion as well, especially if you rub your eyes.ĭry eyes can increase your risk of a corneal abrasion, particularly when awakening from sleep. Many corneal abrasions aren't caused by a noticeable traumatic event, such as getting poked in the eye. Tree branches, paper, makeup brushes, a pet, a finger, workplace debris, sports equipment and more all pose a danger to the front surface of your eyes. Virtually any object that comes in direct contact with the front surface of you eye has the potential to cause a corneal abrasion. So it's important that you see your eye doctor or visit an emergency room or urgent care center as soon as possible if you suspect you have a corneal abrasion. In addition to being painful, a scratched cornea makes your eye more susceptible to infection.
Corneal abrasions typically cause significant discomfort, red eyes, watery eyes and sensitivity to light. A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye (cornea).
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