Corneal abrasion

What is it?

This is a scratch on the cornea (window) of your eye, often caused by a poked finger or perhaps a twig

Symptoms and signs

• Watering of the eyes
• Pain Corneal abrasion
• Redness of the white part of the eye
• Feeling of something 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
• For deeper scratches it is sometimes helpful to firmly pad the eye closed for 24-48 hours. This stops you blinking and lets the scratch heal

A corneal abrasion can be very painful

To help relieve this:

·         We may prescribe a dilating drop to be instilled. This will make the pupil bigger. As it relaxes the muscles in your eye it settles the pain but for a few days your eye may be more sensitive to light and your vision may be blurred, especially for close work

·         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 heal within 24-36 hours. Occasionally we may ask for an appointment to be made at the Emergency Eye Clinic before leaving the department. In some instances the problem may recur. This will be particularly noticeable on waking.

If you have any further problems within the next few days please contact:

9.00am – 5.00pm          Emergency Eye Clinic             01782 674300

Out of hours                Emergency Department           01782 674440 or 674470