A corneal abrasion, also called a scratched cornea is one of the most common eye injuries.
What is the cornea?
The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. A corneal abrasion disrupts the corneal epithelium, which is the protective outer layer of cells of the cornea, this can lead a range of corneal diseases.
This disruption creates an open wound that increases your risk of developing a serious eye infection. Therefore, it’s important to see an eye doctor immediately if you suspect you have a corneal abrasion.
What causes a corneal scratch?
There are countless ways for a corneal abrasion to occur. Anything, no matter how big or small, that comes into contact with the surface of your eye can cause a scratched cornea.
Common causes include:
- Dust, sand, and other small particles (especially if you rub your eyes)
- Tree branches, paper, or workplace debris
- Accidental contact from a pet’s paw or a finger
- Makeup brushes or cosmetic tools
- Sports equipment and other objects in play or activity
- Dry eyes that cause the eyelid to stick to the cornea while sleeping
- Damaged or overused contact lenses
While you may think contact lenses can protect you, they often increase the risk if not used properly
Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor near you who can evaluate whether you have a corneal abrasion.
SEE RELATED: What Is a Corneal Abrasion?
Complications & When to Seek Help
If left untreated, even a small corneal scratch can lead to serious complications, including:
- Eye infections
- Corneal ulcers (open sores on the cornea)
- Scarring that may cause permanent vision loss
- Recurrent corneal erosion, where the injury reopens over time
When to see an eye doctor:
- If you suspect you have a corneal abrasion
- If symptoms such as eye pain, redness, or blurry vision persist
- If you wear contact lenses and notice discomfort or irritation
Prompt evaluation and treatment by an eye doctor is essential to prevent long-term damage.
Find an eye doctor near you to schedule a same-day appointment if you think you may have a corneal scratch.
Symptoms of a corneal scratches
A corneal abrasion often causes significant discomfort. Other signs and symptoms of corneal abrasion include:
- A gritty or foreign body sensation in the eye
- Blurry or decreased vision
- Headache
- Eye pain
- Redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Tearing, watery eyes
- Twitching
- Occasionally, nausea
What NOT to Do if You Suspect a Corneal Scratch
Certain actions can make a corneal abrasion worse. Avoid:
- Rubbing your eye, which can deepen the scratch
- Wearing contact lenses until cleared by your doctor
- Using redness-reducing eye drops (they may irritate the injury)
- Ignoring symptoms such as persistent pain, light sensitivity, or vision changes
Instead, keep the eye closed, avoid touching it, and seek professional care as soon as possible.
Corneal Abrasion Treatment
Based on your eye exam, your eye doctor will treat your corneal abrasion with one or more of the following options:
- A patch or bandage to be worn over your injured eye, to keep you from blinking and making the corneal abrasion worse.
- Use of moisturizing eye drops or ointment. This adds a soothing layer over the cornea.
- Antibiotic ointment or eye drops to prevent an eye infection. Over-the-counter pain medications may be prescribed to decrease the pain.
- Artificial tears may also help to relieve eye pain
Usually, your eye doctor will want to examine your eye again within 24 hours to re-evaluate the injury. Occasionally, the injury may not heal completely or correctly, resulting in what is called a recurrent corneal erosion. This type of injury can be long-lasting, and occur over several months or years.
LEARN MORE: Guide to Corneal Diseases
If the injury that appears to have healed becomes painful again, immediately contact an eye doctor near you.
