Corneal Abrasion (Scratched Eye)

A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye. A fingernail, a contact lens, a tree branch or a speck of dust can cause one. It hurts far more than its size suggests, but most heal in one to three days with treatment.

A provider checks your vision, numbs the eye with drops, and uses a dye that makes a scratch glow under a blue light. Anything still in the eye is removed. Treatment is usually antibiotic drops or ointment and pain relief. Contact lens wearers get an antibiotic suited to lenses and should leave them out until the eye heals. If the scratch is large or near the center of your vision, we'll arrange follow-up with an eye doctor.

Come in the same day for eye pain after a scratch or poke, or a feeling that something is in your eye that rinsing hasn't fixed. Try not to rub the eye.