14423 Corneal Abrasion

Overview

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or scrape on the cornea — the clear, protective front window of the eye. It can happen when something pokes, rubs, or hits the eye. Although it can be painful, most corneal abrasions are minor and heal quickly.

Yes. Corneal abrasions are one of the most common eye injuries seen in general practice and emergency care.

Anyone can get a corneal abrasion. They are more common in active children, contact lens wearers, and people who work in dusty, windy, or outdoor conditions. Older adults may be more likely to get them from dry eyes or rubbing their eyes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Eye pain, stinging, or burning
• A gritty or sandy feeling, as if something is in the eye
• Redness of the eye
• Watery eyes or increased tearing
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision or a temporary change in vision

Symptoms in children

• Rubbing the eye or squeezing it shut
• Red and watery eye
• Avoiding bright light
• Crying or saying the eye hurts
• Being fussy or hard to soothe

Symptoms in older adults

• Often the same pain, redness, and tearing
• May feel less pain because the cornea becomes less sensitive with age
• Dry eyes may make the abrasion more uncomfortable
• Blurred vision or a sense that an object is still in the eye

Causes

Main causes

• A scratch from a fingernail, tree branch, or sharp edge
• Sand, dust, sawdust, or small particles getting into the eye
• Rubbing the eye when something is already in it
• Poorly fitting, damaged, or overworn contact lenses
• Chemical splashes or irritating fumes

Risk factors

• Wearing contact lenses
• Working with wood, metal, nails, or garden materials
• Outdoor sports or activities in windy and dusty weather
• Having very dry eyes
• Being a young child or toddler who rubs the eyes

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have severe eye pain or pain that is getting worse
• You wear contact lenses and your eye is painful, red, or watery
• There is discharge, pus, or you think the eye may be infected
• Something is still stuck in the eye after flushing with clean water or eyewash
• You had a chemical splash in the eye
• You have had eye surgery in the past and now have eye pain or redness

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have had more than one corneal abrasion in the same eye
• You have a health condition that slows healing, such as diabetes
• Your vision does not return to normal within a day or two
• Your eye feels comfortable but you are still worried about it

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider can usually diagnose a corneal abrasion by asking about how the eye was injured and examining the eye closely using a bright light and a magnifying device.

Tests that may be done

• A vision test to check whether sight is affected
• A slit-lamp exam, which uses a special microscope and light to look at the front of the eye
• A fluorescein eye stain, a harmless yellow dye that makes small scratches glow under blue light
• A numbing drop to make the eye comfortable during the examination

What to expect at your appointment

The provider may first place a numbing drop in your eye, then a tiny amount of orange dye. The dye washes away quickly and is harmless. The examination takes a few minutes. You can usually go home straight after, though your vision may be slightly blurred for a short time.

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at relieving pain, preventing infection, and letting the cornea heal. Most simple corneal abrasions heal with gentle home care and sometimes a short course of antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Contact lens wearers need to stop using their lenses until the eye has fully healed.

Self-care at home

• Do not rub the eye, even if it feels gritty.
• Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops, often called artificial tears, as directed by your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
• Wear sunglasses in bright light to reduce discomfort.
• Rest your eye by closing it and taking breaks from screens.
• Keep contact lenses out until a provider says it is safe to wear them again.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and dusty or smoky environments while healing.

Medical treatments

A healthcare provider may recommend a short course of antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection, particularly if the scratch came from an object, dirt, or contact lens wear. They may also suggest simple pain relief to take by mouth, or in some cases use an eye patch or a soft bandage contact lens to make the eye more comfortable. Your provider will tell you exactly how to use any treatment and when to return for a check.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is very rarely needed for a simple corneal abrasion. If there is a deeper injury, a foreign piece that cannot be safely removed, or the cornea keeps tearing and does not heal, an eye specialist may need to perform a minor procedure to restore the surface. Most people never need surgery.

Living with this condition

For the first day or two, your eye may water, sting, and feel sensitive to light. This is normal. Try to keep the eye closed as much as possible, avoid rubbing, and do not wear eye makeup or contact lenses until the area heals. Follow any return check-up arranged by your provider.

Lifestyle tips

• Use protective eyewear for any activity that could send particles toward your eyes.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially after being in dusty or gritty places.
• Use contact lenses only after a healthcare provider has confirmed the eye has healed.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to manage light sensitivity.
• Take breaks from screens if staring makes your eye feel tired.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet for a corneal abrasion, but eating a balanced diet and drinking enough water helps the body heal. Light exercise is usually fine. Avoid sports, swimming, and dusty or high-risk activities until the eye feels better and your provider agrees.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

An eye injury can be frightening, especially if your vision is blurry for a few days. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated. Reassurance and proper care help most people heal quickly. If worry keeps affecting your day, talk to your healthcare provider about extra support. If you ever feel overwhelmed or in crisis, contact your local emergency number or a mental health crisis line right away.

Prevention

Many corneal abrasions can be prevented. Wear safety glasses or goggles for DIY, gardening, sports, and any work that creates dust or flying particles. Keep fingernails trimmed, follow contact lens hygiene guidelines, and avoid rubbing your eyes. Protect your eyes in strong wind, dusty places, and while using tools.

Vaccines

No vaccine prevents a corneal abrasion. However, if the injury was caused by a dirty or sharp object, your provider may check whether your tetanus vaccination is up to date.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for corneal abrasion. If you get eye injuries often, a provider may recommend an eye examination to look for underlying problems such as dry eye or eyelid conditions.

Complications

If left untreated

• Infection of the cornea, called a corneal ulcer
• Slow healing or a sore that reopens easily, known as recurrent corneal erosion
• Scarring on the cornea that can affect vision
• Persistent pain, light sensitivity, or watery eye

Long-term outlook

With simple care, the outer layer of the cornea regenerates quickly and most people recover fully within a few days. Even larger or deeper scratches often heal well with prompt treatment and follow-up. The most important steps are to avoid rubbing, follow the care plan, and return if symptoms worsen.

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