A cat scratch near the eye can be immediately alarming and requires swift attention. A cat’s claw carries a risk of introducing bacteria into the eye, which can lead to a serious infection. The immediate physical trauma most often results in a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye. Because a cat scratch can simultaneously cause physical injury and introduce contaminants, knowing the correct steps to take immediately is important to protect your vision.
Immediate Home Care for the Scratch
Immediately after the injury, thoroughly flush the affected eye to remove any debris or bacteria left by the claw. Use a sterile saline solution, which is best, or clean, running water if saline is unavailable. This rinsing should be performed continuously for 15 to 20 minutes to maximize contaminant removal.
Avoid rubbing the eye, even if you feel a persistent foreign body sensation. Rubbing can worsen a corneal abrasion, turning a superficial scratch into a larger, more complicated injury. While flushing, you can gently pull the upper eyelid over the lower eyelid, allowing the lower lashes to sweep away any trapped particles.
Once the eye has been flushed, gently clean the surrounding skin with mild soap and water. Do not put any eye drops, ointments, or home remedies directly into the injured eye. If you must cover the eye temporarily for comfort before seeking medical attention, use a clean, non-compressive eye shield or gauze pad taped loosely over the eye.
Identifying Symptoms of Infection and Damage
Symptoms of a serious injury or developing infection will become noticeable and should not be ignored. A persistent, severe foreign body sensation—the feeling that something is constantly stuck in the eye—is a common sign of a corneal abrasion. This discomfort is often accompanied by excessive tearing.
A more serious indication of damage is extreme sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, which causes significant discomfort in bright environments. If the injury involves the cornea, you may also experience blurred or noticeably decreased vision. These symptoms suggest the scratch may be more than superficial and requires professional evaluation.
Signs that an infection may be taking hold include a worsening redness or swelling of the eye and surrounding tissues after the initial hours. The appearance of pus or a thick, colored discharge from the eye is a strong indicator of bacterial contamination. If you notice a painful lump or swelling in the lymph nodes in front of your ear on the same side as the injury, this could signal the onset of a systemic infection like Cat Scratch Disease.
Required Medical Treatment and Follow-Up
Any cat scratch to the eye warrants an immediate visit to an ophthalmologist or an emergency room, particularly if the scratch involves the cornea or if symptoms are severe. A medical professional will perform a thorough examination, often using a specialized microscope called a slit lamp. They may apply a special fluorescent dye to the eye’s surface, which illuminates any corneal abrasion under a blue light, revealing the size and depth of the injury.
To prevent infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments. These topical medications are administered several times a day to protect the eye from bacteria introduced by the cat’s claw. Depending on the extent of the pain, the doctor may also prescribe oral pain relievers or cycloplegic drops, which temporarily paralyze the focusing muscle to alleviate discomfort.
A tetanus booster shot is routinely recommended for any animal-inflicted injury if you have not received one within the last five years. While most simple corneal abrasions heal quickly, follow-up appointments are necessary to ensure the injury is closing properly and that no complications are developing. Untreated abrasions can lead to a corneal ulcer, which requires intensive treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.