Corneal Abrasion

A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of your eye, often caused by something as small as a grain of sand. This can lead to pain, tearing, and discomfort. If the pain persists, it’s important to seek medical care. The experienced ophthalmologists at Eye Care & Surgery specialize in treating corneal abrasions to help keep your eyes healthy. We offer expert care at three convenient locations: in Washington Heights, Manhattan; near the Grand Concourse in the Bronx, directly across from Yankee Stadium; and in New Rochelle, just minutes from downtown and near New Rochelle High School. To learn more about corneal abrasion treatment, call your nearest Eye Care & Surgery office or book your appointment online today.

What is a corneal abrasion?

The cornea is the clear outer layer of the eye. It protects your eyes from dirt, bacteria, and other foreign objects, but sometimes, it gets damaged. A corneal abrasion is a scratch or scrape on the cornea, or surface of your eyeball.

Common causes of corneal abrasion include rubbing your eyes too hard or poking them with makeup brushes, fingers, or a pen. Specks of dirt, dust, sand, and more can cause corneal abrasions, too. 

Babies and young children often get corneal abrasions by accidentally scratching their eyes with their fingernails. 

Corneal abrasions are common, and they can be painful. The cornea contains nerve endings that send pain signals to the brain, so scratches on the eye often hurt and make your eyes water.

What are the symptoms of a corneal abrasion?

You may have a corneal abrasion if you experience:

• Blurry vision
• Redness
• Pain
• Tearing up
• The feeling that something is in your eye

Corneal abrasions can make blinking painful. You may notice your eye is sensitive to light and is red and watery. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, visit Eye Care & Surgery for an exam and treatment. 

How are corneal abrasions treated?

If you get a scratch on your eye, it’s important to seek medical attention. Untreated corneal abrasions can get infected and impair vision. 

Treatment for corneal abrasions from Eye Care & Surgery often includes cleansing the eye with clean water or saline solution to wash out foreign objects.

Depending on the severity of the abrasion, your optometrist or ophthalmologist may recommend eye drops or ointment to soothe the cornea and prevent infection. In some cases, an eye patch can prevent the abrasion from getting worse by stopping you from blinking the eye.

Most corneal abrasions heal in 1-2 days. 

How can I prevent corneal abrasion?

You can take steps to protect your eyes and prevent scratches. Wear safety glasses when playing sports, mowing the lawn, or cutting wood and metal. Be careful when applying makeup and inserting and removing contact lenses. 

If something gets in your eye, don’t rub it. To remove foreign objects, blink or rinse your eye with a sterile saline solution. You can also try pulling your upper eyelid down over your lower eyelid. This promotes tearing to wash out any particles.

Medical attention is important to treat corneal abrasions and prevent serious infection. Visit the team at Eye Care & Surgery for prompt, effective treatment. Make an appointment online or by phone today.

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