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. Some corneal abrasions may require an antibiotic ointment that stays on the eye longer, a steroid to decrease inflammation, and something to relieve pain and light sensitivity. Superficial corneal abrasions tend to heal quickly - usually within two or three days.
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 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. The dye can make a corneal abrasion more visible 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. Another type of eye drop containing a temporary dye may be used to help your doctor see the extent of the abrasion. To diagnose a corneal abrasion, your optometrist or ophthalmologist 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 within 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.
#ORDER OF THE STICK RIGHT EYE PATCH#
Don't patch it either, since this can speed bacterial growth and increase the risk of an eye infection.Ī cornea abrasion usually affects just one eye, and it can feel like something is on or in your scratched eye. If you get something in your eye, you can attempt to flush it out with water, but don't rub your eye. 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 near you right away. In addition to pain and a gritty or foreign body sensation, other signs and symptoms of corneal abrasions include redness, tearing, light sensitivity, headache, blurry or decreased vision, eye twitching, a dull ache and, occasionally, nausea.
The cornea is one of the most sensitive parts of your body, so 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. Symptoms of a corneal abrasionĪ scratched cornea often causes significant discomfort watery, red eyes and hypersensitivity to light. In fact, if your contacts are damaged or you wear them too long, they may even increase your risk of a scratched cornea. When you wake up and open your eyes, your eyelids can tear part of the corneal epithelium, causing a painful abrasion.Ĭontact lenses usually won't protect your eyes from corneal abrasions. 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 if you routinely wake up with dry eyes. Many corneal abrasions aren't caused by a major 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 are common causes of a corneal abrasion. No matter how big or small, anything that makes contact with the surface of your eye can cause a scratched cornea. There are countless ways to get a corneal abrasion.
So, it's important to see an eye doctor immediately if you suspect you have a corneal abrasion. A corneal abrasion disrupts the protective outer layer of cells of the cornea (called the corneal epithelium), creating an open wound that increases your risk of a serious eye infection. The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. A corneal abrasion (scratched cornea or scratched eye) is one of the most common eye injuries. Schedule an exam Find Eye Doctor What is a corneal abrasion?Ī corneal abrasion is a scratch on your eye.
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