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Cornea Abrasion

A corneal abrasion is an injury (scratch or cut) to the front of the cornea. Abrasions are commonly caused by fingernails scraches, paper cuts, makeup brushes, scrapes from tree or bush limbs, and rubbing the eye. Some eye conditions, such as dry eye, increase the chance of an abrasion.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • The feeling of having something in your eye
  • Eye pain and soreness
  • Eye redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Tearing
  • Blurred vision

Treatment

Treatment may include the following:

  • Patching the injured eye to prevent eyelid blinking from irritating the injury
  • Applying lubricating eyedrops or ointment to the eye to form a soothing layer between the eyelid and the abrasion
  • Using antibiotics to prevent infection
  • Dilating (widening) the pupil to relieve pain
  • Wearing a special contact lens to help healing

Minor abrasions usually heal within a day or two, while larger abrasions usually take about a week. It is important not to rub the eye while it is healing. Do not wear your usual contact lenses while it is healing. Ask your ophthalmologist when you may start wearing them again.

Other Cornea Conditions

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace medical care and should not be used as a substitute for a physician's advice or diagnosis. San Antonio Eye Center is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information obtained in this website in either an indirect or direct form.