A scratched cornea, formally known as a corneal abrasion, is one of the most common types of eye injuries. It affects the cornea, or the clear layer that covers your eye’s iris and protects the pupil. Lumen Optometric discusses its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Anything that comes into contact with the clear surface of your eyes can lead to a corneal abrasion. Rubbing your eyes too hard can cause a scratched cornea, as well as a grain of dust or sand getting lodged on the front of your eye. Wearing contact lenses longer than is recommended and poking your eye accidentally can also lead to this type of eye injury.
The risk of a scratched cornea increases when you experience dry eye syndrome. Being diagnosed with this condition makes it hard for you to sleep, since the eyelids may stick to the cornea. Upon waking up, your eyelids may tear a part of your cornea, resulting in a scratch or abrasion.
Any eye injury, including a corneal abrasion, must be examined by your eye doctor. Visit them right away if you start experiencing any of these symptoms:
Before you visit your eye doctor, consider reducing the symptoms and the risk of infection. You can rinse the affected eye with saline solution to dislodge specks of dust or dirt. Try blinking several times as well to move the small particles from the cornea to the eyelashes.
Your eye doctor will examine the affected eye and remove any objects they may find. To minimize discomfort during this prescription, they’ll apply anesthetic eye drops. They may prescribe you with eye drops to keep the eye lubricated and minimize infection and inflammation, as well as oral medication if you feel pain or light sensitivity. The healing time varies depending on how small or large the corneal abrasion is.
Turn to Lumen Optometric for your immediate and ongoing optic needs. Our eye exam doctor is expertly trained to identify vision problems and customize effective solutions to improve your eye health. Call us now at (626) 921-0199, or fill out our contact form to book a schedule with us.
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