Your eyes are your windows to the world, and keeping them healthy and comfortable is essential. But sometimes, the outer layer of the eye—known as the cornea—can sustain an unexpected injury. If you’re feeling a gritty sensation, redness, or sensitivity to light in one of your eyes, you may have a scratched cornea.
A scratched cornea, or corneal abrasion, can be painful and alarming, but understanding the symptoms and causes can help you take the right steps toward care and recovery.
Let’s delve into what a scratched cornea is, the symptoms to watch out for, and when it’s time to visit your optometrist.
What Is a Scratched Cornea?
The cornea is a clear, protective layer that covers the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the pupil. It plays a crucial role in focusing light and shielding the eye from dirt, debris, and other foreign particles. When this delicate surface is scratched, the result is referred to as a corneal abrasion.
A corneal abrasion can happen in a variety of ways, often in situations you wouldn’t expect. Everyday elements like dust, sand, or even a makeup brush can cause scratching.
In fact, corneal abrasions make up about 10 percent of emergency eye care visits. It’s one of the most frequent eye injuries, yet, with proper care, it can often heal without lasting damage.
Causes of a Scratched Cornea
Scratched corneas can result from many everyday interactions, often from brief or accidental contact of a foreign object with the eye’s surface. Environmental particles like dust, sand, and debris are common culprits, especially in windy or dusty conditions, as they can easily enter the eye and cause small abrasions. Foreign objects, such as wood shavings, plant material, or even the edge of a piece of paper, can also unintentionally scratch the cornea.
Another common cause is contact lens misuse. Misusing contact lenses or wearing them for prolonged periods can lead to abrasions, especially if they’re inserted or removed incorrectly. Unintentional contact from children or pets can also lead to injury.
Essentially, anything that comes into direct contact with the cornea has the potential to cause a scratch.
Symptoms of a Scratched Cornea
The symptoms of a scratched cornea can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the abrasion. Most people experience discomfort or pain in the affected eye, often accompanied by a gritty sensation, as if there’s something stuck in the eye itself.
Light sensitivity, known as photophobia, is another common symptom, and the eye may produce excessive tears in response to this irritation. Redness and temporary blurred vision can also occur. In some cases, the pain and light sensitivity may cause a headache.
While mild symptoms may seem manageable, it’s essential to take them seriously. Even a minor abrasion can lead to more severe complications if left untreated, so monitoring your symptoms and taking immediate action is important.
Steps to Take
If you think you may have scratched your cornea, taking prompt action can help minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of further damage. First, if you wear contact lenses, carefully remove them and avoid using them again until your eye has healed.
For mild cases, these steps can often help alleviate discomfort. However, it’s essential to monitor your symptoms, as an untreated scratch can lead to further complications.
If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s best to consult an eye care professional for a thorough evaluation. Your optometrist will examine your eye, remove any debris, and check your vision. They may prescribe antibiotic ointments or pain relievers for comfort.
Small scratches often heal within a few days, with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen helping to manage discomfort. For larger abrasions, a bandage contact lens may be used to aid healing. Severe or non-healing injuries may require further care. Avoid rubbing your eye and follow all treatment instructions closely.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Some abrasions may require medical treatment to prevent complications like corneal ulcers or infections. When you visit your optometrist, they’ll examine your eye closely to determine the extent of the damage.
This might involve an eye exam with a special dye that highlights scratches, allowing for a more precise diagnosis. If necessary, your optometrist may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and promote healing, along with pain relievers to manage any discomfort.
Protecting Your Vision
Eye health is essential, and taking proactive steps to protect your vision is always wise. Wearing protective eyewear when working with materials like wood or metal, keeping contact lenses clean, and practicing good eye hygiene can all reduce your risk of a scratched cornea.
Regular eye check-ups can also help detect early signs of eye conditions, ensuring you receive care before issues become severe.
Your Eye Health Is Our Priority
At Total Vision, we understand that eye injuries can be concerning, especially when they impact your comfort and quality of life.
That’s why we offer comprehensive care, including emergency appointments, to address issues like corneal abrasions and get you back on track to clear, comfortable vision. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a scratched cornea, don’t wait—book an appointment with us today!
