“I’d like to begin answering this question by first providing a bit of basic knowledge regarding the cornea. The cornea is the clear tissue that protects the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the pupil (the black circle in the middle of your eye). It works with the lens of the eye to focus images on the retina.
A corneal abrasion is essentially a scratch to the eye’s cornea. If you accidentally poke yourself in the eye or if a foreign substance gets trapped under your eyelid, like dirt or sand, your cornea may get scratched. When this happens, it can cause pain and discomfort. Additional causes of corneal abrasion include: chemical burns, aggressive eye rubbing, poor fitting or dirty contacts, and some types of eye infections.
Once you’ve had a corneal abrasion, chances are you won’t forget the pain and discomfort it can cause. Symptoms of corneal abrasion include:
- Feeling like you have something in your eye
- Eye pain, particularly when opening/closing the eye
- Tearing and redness
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred or even loss of vision
When something does get in your eye, the first reaction is typically to rub it. But try to avoid rubbing as it can cause an abrasion. Instead, blink your eye several times, pull your upper lid over the lower lid, or gently rinse your eye out with clean water or a sterile solution. Whatever you do, do not try to remove anything that is directly on the cornea. See an eye doctor as soon as possible or visit your nearby emergency room.
In cases of corneal abrasion, your eye doctor may prescribe antibiotic or medicated eye drops, or ointment to prevent an infection. Depending on the severity of the abrasion, your doctor will temporarily patch the eye or prescribe pain medication. While your eye heals, it’s crucial that you wear sunglasses to ease any pain caused by the sun’s glare, avoid rubbing your eye and don’t wear contacts until you receive the okay from your doctor.”
– Dr. Evan Pike, Fellowship-trained Cornea Specialist, specializing in refractive surgery, cataract surgery, corneal disease and treatment
