A corneal abrasion is an injury to the surface layer of the cornea. Abrasions are commonly caused by fingernail scratches, paper cuts, makeup brushes, scrapes from a tree or bush limbs.
Symptoms
Symptoms of abrasion can feel like the following:
- The feeling that something is in the eye
- Pain and soreness of the eye
- Redness of the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Tearing
- Blurred vision
Treatment
Treatment may include the following:
- Patching the injured eye to prevent eyelid blinking and irritating the injury
- Applying lubricating eye drops or ointment to the eye to form a soothing layer between the eyelid and abrasion
- Using antibiotics to prevent infection
- Wearing a special contact lens to help the healing
Minor abrasions usually heal within a day or two; larger abrasions usually take about one week. It is important not to rub the eye while healing.
Prevention
For maximum protection:
- Use proper eyewear when using power tools, mowing the lawn and performing other yard work, playing sports, and while working around wood and steel.
- Regularly clip your infants or young child’s fingernails
- Follow the instruction on how to wear and care for your contact lens.
