Corneal Abrasion

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or scrape on the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped outer surface of your eye. Because the cornea is highly sensitive, even a small scratch can be very painful and cause significant discomfort. While many abrasions are minor and heal quickly, some can lead to infection or other complications, so it is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have one.

Common causes

A corneal abrasion can be caused by anything that scrapes the surface of the eye. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Foreign objects: Sand, dust, dirt, or other small particles getting into the eye.

  • Physical trauma: Being hit or poked in the eye by a fingernail, tree branch, or makeup brush.

  • Contact lenses: Damaged contact lenses or wearing them for too long can increase your risk.

  • Dry eyes: If your eyes become too dry, your eyelids can stick to the cornea, and opening your eyes can cause a tear in the surface.

  • Forceful rubbing: Rubbing your eyes too hard, especially when trying to remove a foreign object, can cause an abrasion.

  • Workplace debris: Particles from power tools, metalwork, or construction can fly into the eye.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms can range from irritating to severe and often affect only one eye.

  • Pain: Can range from a mild ache to a sharp, intense pain.

  • Gritty feeling: The sensation that something is in your eye.

  • Redness and tearing: Your eye will likely become red, and you will experience excessive tearing.

  • Light sensitivity (photophobia): Bright light can be especially painful.

  • Blurred or decreased vision: The scratch can interfere with your vision.

  • Swollen eyelid: The eyelid may become puffy and swollen.

Diagnosis

If you suspect you have a corneal abrasion, see an eye doctor or go to an urgent care center or emergency room. The doctor will:

  • Perform an exam: The doctor will examine your eye with a special light to look for any visible injuries or foreign objects.

  • Use a fluorescein dye: A special yellow-orange dye, called fluorescein, may be placed in your eye. Any scratches will absorb the dye and glow green under a special blue light, making the abrasion visible to the doctor.

Treatment

Treatment for a corneal abrasion focuses on relieving pain and preventing infection.

  • Avoid rubbing your eye: This can make the injury worse and increase the risk of infection.

  • Don't patch your eye: Research shows that eye patches do not speed healing and may increase the risk of infection. The doctor may use a special contact lens as a "bandage" instead.

  • Medicated eye drops or ointment: Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent an infection.

  • Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with discomfort.

  • Removal of foreign body: If a foreign object is still in the eye, your doctor will safely remove it.

  • Natural healing: Most simple corneal abrasions heal on their own within one to three days. Follow-up appointments are important to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.

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