Corneal Abrasions

Superficial corneal abrasions tend to heal quickly, usually within two or three days. But other corneal abrasions may require an antibiotic ointment that stays on the eye longer, a steroid to decrease inflammation and scarring, and something to relieve pain and light sensitivity.

Corneal Abrasions

T

he cornea is the clear, outer layer of the eye. A corneal abrasion is simply a scratch in the epithelium (skin), or the thin, outer layer of the cornea. Abrasions usually heal in a short time period, sometimes within hours. Deeper or larger scratches may take up to a week. The cornea has a tremendous number of nerve endings, which makes any damage to the cornea very painful.

Corneal Abrasion Symptoms

  • History of a recent eye trauma
  • Watery eyes
  • Acute pain
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision
  • The feeling that there’s something in your eye
  • Twitching eyelid

Treating Corneal Abrasions

Your doctor may apply a topical anesthesia to help relieve the pain. Usually, a tight patch will be placed over the eye and if the abrasion is small, the epithelium should heal overnight. If the abrasion is large, it may take a few days and your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infections. It is important that you do not rub your eye, especially during the healing process.

To schedule your routine eye exam or free LASIK consultation at The Infinity Eye Care Center, please call (92) 344-2593661 or (92) 213-5865220 today.

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