How to Treat a Corneal Abrasion (Scratch in the Eye)

A corneal abrasion (scratch in the eye) can be a very painful experience. The eye is an extremely sensitive part of the body and is able to sense the slightest interference in its normal operation. This makes a scratch much more than a minor incident in the life of the injured, and eye treatment that much more desired.

Follow these steps to ensure you get the best eye treatment, and give yourself the best chance of recovering quickly.

Instructions

• 1

  ~ See an Ophthalmologist immediately ~

  An Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who is fully licensed to treat all eye conditions. An optometrist primarily measures people for contact lenses and glasses. You want your eye treatment for an eye injury such as corneal abrasion to come from a medical doctor.

• 2

  ~ Avoid moving the eye as much as possible ~

  If it is a serious scratch you will not have to be reminded of this too often. However, your eye care care may be lengthened by over irritation of the scratch against the eye lid. To further your eye care keep both eyes closed and immobile by avoiding TV and reading until your eye doctor gives you the okay.

• 3

  ~ Keep your eye lubricated ~

  In the beginning before receiving numbing eye drops your tear ducts may take care of this for you with continual weeping. As your eye repairs itself however, more intentional eye care may be needed to keep the outer layers of the cornea lubricated. This is essential for long term recovery and eye care. You can use over the counter eye drops or get some samples from your eye doctor.

• 4

  ~ Take the full recommended course of eye antibiotics ~

  A corneal abrasion leaves an open wound in the eye. Care is needed to prevent infection from setting in and preventing the eye from healing even with eye care. Do not halt antibiotic drops simply because your eye starts to feel better.

• 5

  ~ Give your eye rest from intense light ~

  Once you have seen your ophthalmologist, given your eye rest from motion, and found the eye drops you need for eye care to prevent infection or dry eye it is time to wait and let your eye heal. Usually corneal abrasions are sensitive to light. If your medicine causes your pupil to dilate then you are also even more vulnerable to ultraviolet rays through your eyes then normal.

  ** See more tips on recovering from an eye scratch below.