Are you experiencing a sensation of something stuck in your eye that will not go away? When you look at a bright light, does it cause tearing and stinging? If so, you may have a corneal abrasion.

These abrasions are the most common form of eye trauma and occur when the outer layer of the eye, the cornea, becomes scratched or poked. The cornea is a delicate tissue that is vulnerable to injury.

What Is a Corneal Abrasion?

When light enters the eye, it first passes through the cornea. The cornea is a transparent, thin layer covering the eye's iris and pupil. A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea. 

These abrasions are usually minor and heal quickly. However, they can sometimes lead to inflammation or infection in the eye, called iritis or a corneal ulcer. Several things can cause corneal abrasions, including foreign objects like dust, metal, sand, and contact lenses. 

Symptoms of a Corneal Abrasion

Some common symptoms of a corneal abrasion include:

• Eye pain or discomfort.
• Tearing.
• Blurred vision.
• A sensation of something in the eye.
• Redness.
• Swelling of the eyelid.
• Photophobia.
• Headaches.

You should see an eye doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms. Your eye doctor may give you an eye patch to protect the eye. A referral to a specialist may be necessary in more severe cases. Seek medical attention immediately to prevent the abrasion from becoming infected or causing further damage to the eye.

First Aid Tips

• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes if you have something stuck in them. Instead, try flushing the object with clean water or a saline solution. If you cannot remove the thing this way, cover the eye with a clean cloth or bandage to prevent further irritation.
• Use OTC pain relievers if you are experiencing pain or discomfort.
• Avoid activities that could result in further eye injury, such as applying eye makeup or wearing contact lenses.
• To help the injury heal and prevent infection, your eye doctor will likely prescribe eye drops or ointment. Use these medications according to your doctor's instructions.
• If you suspect a corneal abrasion, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment can help avoid complications and hasten recovery.

Treatment

A corneal abrasion is a cut or scratch on the cornea, the eye's transparent outer layer. Treatment typically involves removing foreign objects from the eye and using eye drops or ointment to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection. It may also include applying a patch to the affected eye to protect it while it heals. 

An eye doctor may prescribe medication to help reduce pain and inflammation in some cases. If the corneal abrasion is severe or there is a risk of infection, the doctor may recommend further treatment or follow-up care.

Although scratched eyes are a common injury and usually heal on their own, access to cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic techniques should give you confidence that you are receiving the best medical care available. That is why it is best to call your eye doctor as soon as possible.

For more eye care tips, visit Premier Eye Care at our office in Fort Worth, Texas. Call (817) 428-2020 to book an appointment today.