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Corneal Abrasion

AMBULATORY CARE:

A corneal abrasion

is a scratch on the cornea of your eye. The cornea is the clear layer that covers the front of your eye. A small scratch may heal in 1 to 2 days. Deeper or larger scratches may take longer to heal.

Common signs and symptoms include the following:

• Pain
• More tears than usual
• Redness
• A feeling that you have something in your eye
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Headache

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• Your eye pain or vision gets worse.
• You have yellow or green drainage from your eye.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment for a corneal abrasion

may include antibiotic eyedrops or ointment to help prevent an eye infection. You may also be given eye drops to decrease pain. Do not rub your eyes. Do not wear contact lenses until your healthcare provider tells you that it is okay. Wear sunglasses in bright light until your eyes feel better.

Prevent corneal abrasions:

• Remove your contact lenses if your eyes feel dry or irritated.
• Wash your hands if you need to touch your eyes or your face.
• Trim your child's fingernails so he cannot scratch his eye.
• Wear protective eyewear when you work with chemicals, wood, dust, or metal.
• Wear protective eyewear when you play sports.
• Do not wear your contacts for longer than you should.
• Do not wear colored lenses or lenses with shapes on them. These lenses may cause eye damage and vision loss.
• Do not wear glitter makeup. Glitter can easily get into your eyes and under contact lenses.
• Do not sleep with your contacts in your eyes.