Corneal Abrasions

What is a Corneal Abrasion?

The cornea is the clear, transparent, front surface of the eye. A corneal abrasion is a scratch to the cornea. Just like scratches elsewhere in the body, it can be quite painful because there are nerve endings in the cornea. Maintaining a clear and healthy cornea is essential to clear vision.

Corneal abrasions are one of the most common forms of eye injury. Most corneal abrasions are superficial injuries that involve only the surface layer of the cornea. Although these abrasions can be very painful, they do not usually cause permanent vision problems when treated appropriately.

How Did I Get a Corneal Abrasion?

Corneal abrasions may occur in children or adults. Common causes include:

Trauma to the face/eye
A foreign body underneath the eyelid (i.e. dirt, sand particles, metal)
Poking your eye with a fingernail, makeup brush, pencil, etc.
Improper handling of contact lenses
Excessively rubbing your eye
Genetic corneal diseases

Symptoms of a Corneal Abrasion

Depending on the cause, symptoms can vary in intensity:

Pain, especially upon blinking
Light sensitivity
Foreign body sensation
Redness
Tearing
Blurry vision

Treatment of Corneal Abrasion

Treatment will vary depending on the cause and severity of the abrasion. Recommended treatment may include:

Artificial Tears – Instill one drop ___ time(s) per day to affected eye
Prescription Ophthalmic Antibiotics – Instill one drop ___ time(s) per day
Prescription Ophthalmic Cycloplegic for pain: – Instill one drop ___ time(s) per day
Bandage Contact Lens (do not remove)
2000 mg Vitamin C once a day for 10 days
Pain medications choose one:

Tylenol (acetaminophen) – 2 tablets (325 mg) every 4-6 hours for pain
Advil, Motrin (ibuprofen) – 1 tablet (200 mg) every 4-6 hours for pain