Symptoms and Treatment for Corneal Abrasion (Scratch)
The cornea is the outer layer of the eye. Corneal abrasion occurs when this layer is torn away. The cornea can be easily scratched through contact with dust, dirt, sand, wood shavings, metal particles, a fingernail or even an edge of a piece of paper. It is the most common injury to the eye and is usually superficial but it can be infected and result in a corneal ulcer.
Because the cornea is extremely sensitive due to the multiple nerve endings, abrasions can be painful. Tears, blurred vision, or redness around the eye can suggest a corneal abrasion. You may get a headache.
Symptoms
Pain.
You might feel like you have sand in your eye.
Tears.
Increased sensitivity or redness around the eye.
Blurred vision.
Discomfort in the eye.
Difficulty in opening eyes.
Headache.
What to do in the case of a corneal abrasion?
Seek prompt medical attention and follow these steps:
Blink a few times and if it doesn't free the object, rinse the eye with clean water or saline solution. Use a clean cup and holding the lower rim of the cup on the bone below your eye, pour the water directly into the eye. Blink once more, as the movement may remove the small particles.
Pull the upper eyelid over the lower eyelid. The lashes of your lower eyelid can brush a foreign body from the undersurface of your upper eyelid.
What not to do?
If the object is imbedded in the eyeball don't remove it and call for help.
Don't rub the eye or touch the eyeball with instruments like tweezers or swabs.
If there is a large object that makes it difficult to close the eyes, don't try to remove it.
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This information is provided by the NGHA Content Advisory Board and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your health care provider.