Corneal Abrasion Treatment in the Bay Area – Scratched Eye Symptoms & Care
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye that covers the iris (colored part) and pupil. The cornea plays a critical role in both vision and eye protection, so even a small scratch can cause significant discomfort.
Corneal abrasions are common and can happen suddenly – often from something as simple as debris getting trapped under the eyelid. When the surface of the cornea is disrupted, it can lead to pain, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
What Causes a Corneal Abrasion?
A scratched eye can occur in many everyday situations, including:
- Getting poked in the eye (fingernails, plants, makeup brushes)
- Dirt, sand, or debris entering the eye
- Chemical exposure or irritation
- Rubbing the eye aggressively
- Wearing dirty or poorly fitting contact lenses
- Eye dryness during surgery if the eyes are not fully closed
In some cases, symptoms may not appear immediately, making it difficult to identify the exact cause.
What To Do If Something Gets in Your Eye
It’s natural to want to rub your eye, but this can make things worse. Instead:
- Blink several times to help flush out the object
- Gently pull the upper eyelid over the lower eyelid
- Rinse the eye with clean water or saline solution
- Avoid rubbing the eye at any point
Do not attempt to remove anything stuck directly on the surface of the eye yourself. If the sensation persists, it is important to be evaluated by an eye doctor.
Symptoms of a Corneal Abrasion
A corneal abrasion can be very uncomfortable and difficult to ignore. Common symptoms include:
- A gritty or sandy feeling in the eye
- Sharp eye pain, especially when blinking
- Redness and excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision or reduced clarity
- Headache in some cases
Because symptoms can overlap with other eye conditions, a proper diagnosis is important.
How a Corneal Abrasion Is Diagnosed
A corneal abrasion is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Your ophthalmologist may:
- Examine the eye under magnification
- Use a special dye (fluorescein stain) to highlight the scratch
- Check for any foreign material on the surface of the eye
If debris is present, it can be safely removed in the office.
Treatment for a Scratched Eye
Treatment depends on the severity of the abrasion but may include:
- Lubricating eye drops or ointments
- Antibiotic drops to prevent infection
- Temporary contact lens (bandage lens) in some cases
- Pain management if needed
Most minor corneal abrasions heal within a few days, but prompt care helps prevent complications and speeds recovery.
Take the Next Step
Eye pain, light sensitivity, or the feeling that something is stuck in your eye should not be ignored.
At Peninsula Laser Eye Medical Group, we evaluate corneal abrasions and other eye injuries to determine the cause and provide treatment that helps your eye heal safely.
Call us at (650) 961-2585 or schedule an appointment online to get relief and protect your vision.