3 Things You Should Do For a Corneal Abrasion

When something doesn’t feel quite right in your eye…if it feels like there is a scratch that you just can’t see… chances are you are dealing with a corneal abrasion.  The cornea is the clear protective layer over your eye’s iris (the colored part of the eye) and the pupil (the dark center of the iris).

Sand, dirt, a ripped contact lens, make-up wand, or fingernails in the eye are all pretty common causes of a scratched cornea.  Sometimes the abrasion can be extremely painful and other times it may just be a minor irritation you feel.  Just like with any scratch — it depends on how large and how deep the scratch is as to how much damage it has done and how much it will hurt.

If you get something in your eye, the first thing you should do is to blink or flush it out. Do not try to rub it out – this could cause the abrasion to be much worse.

Depending on how severe your scratch is, how much pain it is causing you, and whether or not your vision is affected, you will want to make an appointment to see your optometrist right away.  If you have any sensitivity to light, pain that doesn’t go away, or other irritation, don’t delay and see a professional like the doctor at your closest America’s Best optometrist immediately.

Your optometrist may recommend antibiotic drops or ointment to help prevent infection.  Other medicine may be used to help treat pain or inflammation.

Follow any recommendations that your optometrist has, but if you can’t see a professional right away or if you feel your scratch is minor, then here are some things to do until you are back to normal.

Keep your contacts out until you are better.

Wear your fashion back-up pair of eyeglasses until your eye doctor says it is safe to put them back in.  Wearing them could make your corneal abrasion worse.

Wear sunglasses.

Sometimes an abrasion will make you more sensitive to bright light. Protect your eyes from the sun’s glare and wear those stylish shades.

Avoid rubbing your eyes.

Rubbing that scratch could make it worse. So, whatever you do, be gentle when touching and working with your eyes and no rubbing!

Corneal abrasions often heal completely.  But, if left untreated sometimes abrasions can lead to bigger more serious problems.  If you have any unusual pain or other symptoms, make sure you see your optometrist right away.

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