Scratched Eye (Corneal Abrasion): Why It Needs a Same-Day Look
A scratched eye hurts, waters and feels like something's stuck in it. Here's what to do right away, how it's treated, and the signs that mean the ER.
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye, often from a fingernail, a tree branch, makeup brush, contact lens or a bit of dirt or metal. It causes sharp pain, watering, redness, light sensitivity and a feeling that something is stuck in the eye. Most heal within a few days, but a scratched eye should be checked the same day, because it can become infected, and something may still be in the eye.
Symptoms of a scratched eye
- Sharp or gritty pain, especially when blinking
- A feeling that something is in your eye
- Tearing and redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Trouble keeping the eye open
What to do right away
- Rinse the eye with clean water or saline. Blinking several times or holding the eye open under gently running water may wash out a small particle.
- Take out contact lenses, and don't put them back in
- Pull the upper lid over the lower lid, which can help the lashes sweep out a particle
What not to do
- Don't rub the eye
- Don't try to remove something stuck on the eye with tweezers, a cotton swab or anything else
- Don't use redness-relief eye drops
- Don't patch the eye tightly unless a clinician tells you to
How it's checked and treated
A clinician numbs the eye with drops, then uses a special dye and a blue light to show any scratch. They'll also look under the eyelids for anything stuck there and remove it if it's small and on the surface. Treatment usually includes:
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection
- Pain relief by mouth
- No contact lenses until the eye has fully healed and a clinician says it's OK
Most scratches heal within one to three days. Contact lens wearers need extra care, because a scratch with a lens can turn into an infected corneal ulcer quickly.
When to get seen
Come in the same day for any suspected scratch, or a feeling that something is stuck in your eye that rinsing doesn't fix, and especially if you wear contact lenses. At an AfterOurs clinic, a standard self-pay visit is $175, a visit with one moderate service such as an eye wash is $250, and a self-pay in-clinic visit never costs more than $330. We contract with all major commercial and government plans, including Colorado Medicaid and Medicare. See our corneal abrasion and eye foreign body pages and the cost and insurance page. Our pink eye and stye posts cover other red, irritated eyes.
Go to the ER or call 911 if something hit or went into the eye at high speed (such as from grinding, hammering or a power tool), something is stuck in the eye, there's a chemical in the eye (rinse with water for at least 15 minutes first), you have sudden vision loss, severe pain, a cut on the eye or eyelid, blood in the colored part of the eye, or the pupil looks misshapen.
Where to find us
Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:
- Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM
Walk in, or book online.
Medically reviewed by Peter Martinuzzi, MD
This article is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are worried, come in or book a telehealth visit — and if it is an emergency, call 911.