A corneal abrasion is a common eye injury where the clear, outer surface of the eye, called the cornea, gets scratched. It can result from various incidents, such as being poked by a fingernail, having dirt or sand enter the eye, or from improper contact lens use. These abrasions can be quite painful because the cornea has a high density of nerve endings, far more than in the skin. This sensitivity means even a small scratch can cause significant discomfort.
What is a Corneal Abrasion?
A corneal abrasion involves a scratch or scrape on the corneal epithelium, which is the outermost layer of the cornea. Common causes include trauma from foreign objects like dust, sand, or wood particles, accidental pokes from fingers or makeup brushes, and issues related to contact lenses such as overwearing or improper fitting. Chemical exposure and rubbing the eyes too forcefully can also lead to an abrasion.
Symptoms often include a feeling that something is in the eye, pain that can range from mild to intense, and redness. Individuals might also experience excessive tearing, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and blurred or hazy vision. These symptoms can worsen with blinking or exposure to light. Prompt medical attention for a scratched cornea is important because an untreated abrasion can become infected, potentially leading to a corneal ulcer or other complications that could affect vision.
Urgent Care’s Role in Treatment
Urgent care centers can assess and manage minor to moderate corneal abrasions, providing immediate care without an appointment. Upon arrival, a healthcare provider will typically perform an eye examination, which may involve using a special dye called fluorescein to highlight the abrasion when viewed under a blue light.
If a foreign object is superficially present, the urgent care staff can often remove it safely, sometimes using a swab or irrigation with saline solution after applying numbing eye drops. For pain management, they may prescribe oral pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or recommend topical pain-relieving eye drops. To prevent infection, antibiotic eye drops or ointments are commonly prescribed. In some cases, a bandage contact lens might be placed to help with comfort and healing, though this carries a slight risk of infection.
When to Seek Specialized Care
While urgent care can address many corneal abrasions, certain situations necessitate a visit to an ophthalmologist or an emergency room. If the abrasion is deep, caused by chemical exposure, or involves a high-velocity object like metal shards, immediate specialized care is crucial.
Signs of infection, such as pus discharge, worsening pain after initial treatment, or increasing redness, warrant an ophthalmologist’s evaluation. Any significant vision loss, persistent blurred vision, or symptoms that do not improve or worsen after 24 to 48 hours also indicate the need for specialized ophthalmologic consultation. Individuals with pre-existing eye conditions like glaucoma or those who have recently undergone eye surgery should also seek an ophthalmologist directly. The emergency room is the appropriate destination for severe eye trauma, chemical burns, or when an object is embedded in the eye, as these facilities are equipped for critical and complex eye emergencies.
Managing a Corneal Abrasion
Managing a corneal abrasion primarily focuses on preventing infection, controlling pain, and promoting healing. This often involves using prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointments to prevent bacterial infection, and oral pain relievers for discomfort.
It is important to avoid rubbing the injured eye, as this can worsen the abrasion and delay healing. If you wear contact lenses, you should not use them until the abrasion has fully healed and your doctor advises it is safe to resume. Wearing sunglasses can help alleviate light sensitivity, which is a common symptom. Small corneal abrasions typically heal within a few days, often within 24 to 72 hours, but larger ones may take longer. Follow-up appointments, particularly with an ophthalmologist, are important to monitor the healing process and address any potential complications.