A scratched eye, medically known as a corneal abrasion, is an injury to the cornea, the transparent, dome-shaped surface covering the front of the eye. This common injury can occur from various sources, including dust, dirt, sand, contact lenses, or a poke from a finger or tree branch. While often minor, a corneal abrasion can be painful and potentially lead to infection if not managed appropriately.
Recognizing a Scratched Eye
A scratched eye causes immediate and noticeable symptoms. A common sensation is feeling as though something is stuck in the eye, often described as grit or sand. This feeling is accompanied by sharp pain, which can intensify when blinking due to the numerous nerve endings in the cornea.
Other signs include excessive tearing, eye redness, and heightened sensitivity to light, known as photophobia. Vision might appear blurry or hazy, and in some instances, there can be eyelid swelling or twitching. These symptoms arise because the superficial layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, has been disrupted.
Immediate Home Care
If you suspect a scratched eye, avoid rubbing it, as this can worsen the injury and embed foreign particles deeper. Instead, gently rinse the eye with clean water or a sterile saline solution to flush out irritants. While tap water can be used for initial flushing, prolonged rinsing with it should be avoided due to potential pathogens.
Blinking several times can also dislodge small particles. You can also try pulling your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid; the lower lashes might help brush away any foreign object. Remove contact lenses immediately and refrain from wearing them until the eye has completely healed to prevent further irritation or infection. Wearing sunglasses can provide comfort by reducing light sensitivity.
When to Seek Professional Help
While minor corneal abrasions often heal quickly, certain symptoms or injury circumstances necessitate prompt medical attention. Seek professional help if the pain is severe or worsens, or if symptoms do not improve within 24 hours. Significant changes in vision, such as increased blurriness, or any eye discharge, are also reasons to consult a doctor.
Medical assessment is advised if the injury was caused by chemicals, if an object appears embedded in the eye, or if the eye sustained a high-impact force. Untreated abrasions carry a risk of infection or scarring, which could lead to long-term vision problems.
Medical Treatment and Recovery
A medical professional diagnoses a corneal abrasion by applying a special fluorescein dye to the eye, which highlights the abrasion under a blue light. Treatment often involves prescribing antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent bacterial infection, a common complication. These medications help protect the healing corneal surface.
Pain relief options may include oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or cycloplegic eye drops that relax eye muscles to reduce discomfort. While eye patches were once commonly used, they are now less frequently recommended due to creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Most small corneal abrasions heal within 24 to 72 hours, though larger or deeper injuries may require up to a week for full recovery.
Preventing Eye Injuries
Taking proactive steps can reduce the risk of eye injuries. Wearing protective eyewear is effective during activities such as sports, home improvement projects, gardening, or any task involving potential eye hazards like flying debris or chemicals.
Proper contact lens care is another preventive measure. This includes washing hands thoroughly before handling lenses, using appropriate cleaning solutions, and never sleeping in lenses unless designed for extended wear. Regularly replacing contact lens cases and avoiding tap water for cleaning or storing lenses also helps prevent infections and abrasions.