Corneal Abrasion
Overview
Causes
Most corneal abrasions happen because of:
- Small particles hitting the eye such as dust, dirt, sand, wood slivers, or metal shavings
- Vigorously rubbing the eye, especially when something is in it
- A fingernail, tree branch, or other object scratching the eye
- Wearing contact lenses , especially if the lenses are worn longer than safe or not cleaned properly
- Poor or no protection for eyes during surgery—the cornea can dry out if your eyes are not fully shut during surgery
- Certain eye disorders
Seek medical attention right away:
- If an object strikes the eye at high speeds.
- If a chemical splashes into the eyes. Flush your eyes right away then call for emergency services.
If there is no eye pain or a foreign object, consider seeing an eye specialist right away instead of going to the emergency room.
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Treatments
Treatment
Minor scratches usually heal within 1-2 days. Some severe scratches may form a scar and cause a permanent reduction in vision. An eye specialist may be needed to treat large or deep scratches.
Treatment may include:
Removing a Foreign Object
The foreign object may need to be removed. This may be done by flushing the eye with sterile fluid. The doctor may need a cotton swab, needle, or other tool to remove the object.
Medication
Medications may include:
- Antibiotic ointment or eye drops to prevent infection
- Pain medications to reduce discomfort
Self-care
See an eye doctor for eye problems that persist. Other self-care steps that may help include:
- Do not rub your eye. Rubbing may worsen the abrasion.
- Use moist compresses to help relieve the pain.
- Do not wear contact lenses until the doctor says it is okay to do so.
Medical Care
The doctor may place a special contact lens in the eye. It may help to relieve the discomfort and improve healing.
The eye will be monitored to make sure the scratch is healing.
Prevention
To decrease the risk of injury to the cornea:
- Do not rub your eyes.
-
Wear safety glasses or protective goggles during sports, yard work, construction, or other activities that could cause injury.
- It is best to wear goggles that fully surround the eyes and make contact with the skin.
- Very important during work with high-speed objects, such as hammering a nail or grinding metal.
- Always wash your hands before touching your contact lenses. Clean and wear contact lenses as directed. Never sleep in contact lenses unless approved by an eye doctor.
If something gets in the eye:
- Try to flush it out with water. Splash the water so it drains out toward the side of your head. You can also try putting your face into a bowl of water.
- Do not rub the affected eye.
- Call an eye doctor.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Scratched Cornea)
RESOURCES
American Academy of Ophthalmology http://www.aao.org
American Optometric Association http://www.aoanet.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Association of Optometrists http://www.opto.ca
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Corneal abrasion. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115957/Corneal-abrasion . Updated December 20, 2017. Accessed February 12, 2018.
Corneal abrasions. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/staying-healthy/first-aid/corneal-abrasions.html. Updated November 2017. Accessed February 12, 2018
7/1/2016 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115957/Corneal-abrasion : Turner A, Rabiu M. Patching for corneal abrasion. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;(2):CD004764.