Corneal abrasion
What is it?
This is a scratch on the cornea (window) of your eye, often caused by a poked finger, perhaps a twig or after a foreign body was in the eye
Symptoms and signs
- Pain and Watering of the eyes
- Sensitivity to daylight or bright light
- Redness of the white part of the eye
- Feeling of something gritty in the eye
- Blurring of vision if the scratch is over the pupil (black part of the eye)
The cornea is the most sensitive part of the eye. We will look at your eye using a slit lamp which is like a large microscope. We use a coloured eye drop (Fluorescein) to enable us to see the size and depth of the scratch
How is it treated?
- Usually you will only need to use antibiotic ointment for a few days to prevent infection and lubricate the eye while the scratch heals. Instructions of how to apply will be given.
- For deeper scratches it is sometimes helpful to firmly pad the eye closed for up to 24 hours. This stops you blinking and lets the scratch heal.
You may be referred to the Emergency Eye clinic if the Abrasion is very deep and large
A corneal abrasion can be very painful
To help relieve this:
- Keep in a dark room, low lighting and close your eyes
- Wear sunglasses
- Take a pain killing tablet as you would for a headache, e.g. Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (NB follow the directions for dosage)
What happens next?
Corneal abrasions will often improve heal and be more comfortable within 24-36 hours. If necessary we may make a referral to the Emergency Eye Clinic for you and you will be contacted by them. Please ensure your accurate phone number. In some instances the problem may recur. This will be particularly noticeable on waking.
If you have any further problems within the next 3 - 5 few days please contact:
9.00am – 5.00pm Emergency Eye Clinic 01782 674300
Out of hours Emergency Department 01782 674440 or 674470