When a baby accidentally scratches their eye, these injuries, called corneal abrasions, are common in infants due to their developing coordination and sharp fingernails. Knowing how to respond ensures the baby receives appropriate care. This article provides clear guidance on how to respond to a baby’s eye scratch.
Immediate Steps to Take
If you suspect your baby has scratched their eye, remain calm to soothe your distressed baby. Gently examine your baby’s eye without touching or rubbing it directly. Look for foreign objects or signs of injury.
Do not try to remove any suspected foreign object from the eye yourself, as this could worsen the injury. Prevent your baby from rubbing their eye, as this can further damage the corneal surface. If a foreign object is suspected, rinsing the eye gently with saline solution or clean water can sometimes help dislodge it, but do not force it. The primary goal is to observe the situation without causing additional irritation or injury.
Recognizing Symptoms and Knowing When to Seek Medical Help
Several signs can indicate your baby has a scratched eyeball. Common symptoms include excessive tearing, redness in the eye, sensitivity to light (photophobia), frequent blinking, and holding the eye shut. Your baby might also appear unusually fussy or irritable, especially if only one eye is affected, or constantly try to rub their eye. Sometimes, a visible scratch is present on the colored part of the eye.
Certain symptoms indicate a need for immediate medical attention. These include a visible foreign object embedded in the eye, discharge or pus coming from the eye, or persistent pain and irritability that does not subside. Changes in vision, a deep or jagged-looking scratch, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve quickly, also warrant urgent professional care. Other signs requiring immediate medical attention include unequal pupil size or if a sharp object has impacted the eye.
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
If you take your baby to a doctor or emergency room for a suspected eye scratch, you can expect a thorough examination. The healthcare provider will ask about the injury and your baby’s symptoms. They may use numbing eye drops to make the examination more comfortable for your baby.
A common diagnostic method involves a fluorescein eye stain test. During this test, a harmless orange dye called fluorescein is placed onto the surface of the eye. The doctor then uses a special blue-filtered light, which makes any abrasion appear bright green and clearly visible. This allows the medical professional to assess the location, size, and severity of the scratch.
Treatment for a corneal abrasion includes prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection. In some cases, pain relief medication suitable for infants can be recommended. While most minor corneal abrasions heal within 24 to 48 hours, some may take up to a week. Follow-up care can be recommended to ensure the abrasion heals completely without complications.
Preventing Future Eye Scratches
Preventing future eye scratches involves a few practical measures. Regularly trimming your baby’s fingernails is a simple yet effective way to minimize accidental scratches. Using soft baby nail clippers or a fine-grit nail file can help keep their nails short and smooth.
For newborns, covering their hands with soft mittens can prevent them from inadvertently scratching their eyes. Ensuring a safe play environment and providing general supervision can also reduce eye injuries from toys or other objects. These steps protect your baby’s eye health.