First Aid for Corneal Abrasion

A corneal abrasion happens when something scratches the clear, front part of the eye, called the cornea. Dust, dirt, contact lenses, sand, or even the edge of a piece of paper can cause this type of injury. The cornea is a highly sensitive part of the eye, so even small scratches can be painful.

Common symptoms of a corneal abrasion include eye pain, a gritty sensation (like something is in the eye), redness, tearing, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light (photophobia). Some people may also experience a headache, trouble keeping the eye open, or discomfort when blinking.

What You Can Do at Home

If you suspect a corneal abrasion, you should take immediate but gentle steps to protect your eye:

Rinse your eye with clean water or saline solution. You can do this using an eyecup, a small clean glass, or an eye-rinse station if one is available. This may help remove any loose debris.
Blink several times to try dislodging any particles trapped under the eyelid.
Gently pull the upper eyelid over the lower eyelid. This may help sweep away foreign matter using your lower lashes and stimulate tear production to rinse the eye.

Avoid doing the following:

Do not rub your eye, even if it feels irritated.
Do not touch the eye with fingers, tweezers, cotton swabs, or any other objects.
Do not attempt to remove objects embedded in the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, stop wearing them until the abrasion has completely healed.

Signs It Could Be Serious

While many corneal abrasions heal on their own within a few days, some require professional attention. Watch for these warning signs that suggest you need medical care:

Worsening pain or persistent discomfort after 24 hours.
Vision that becomes more blurry instead of clearer.
Increased redness or swelling.
Discharge, especially yellow or green pus.
Fever or signs of infection.
Sensitivity to light that becomes severe or doesn’t improve.

A scratch that gets infected can lead to a corneal ulcer, which may cause long-term vision problems or scarring.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek prompt medical attention if:

You experience any of the serious symptoms listed above.
The object that scratched your eye was metal, plant matter, or glass.
You have had eye surgery or wear contact lenses.
You suspect a deeper injury beyond the surface of the eye.
You cannot remove a particle by blinking or rinsing.

An eye care professional can examine the eye using fluorescein dye and a special blue light. This highlights the scratch so it can be properly assessed. They may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to reduce the risk of infection and lubricating drops to ease discomfort.

In some cases, pain-relieving eye drops may also be given. If you experience significant swelling or if a foreign object is lodged under the eyelid and cannot be flushed out, an ophthalmologist will need to remove it using sterile tools.

Recovery Tips

Most minor abrasions heal within 24 to 72 hours with proper care. To ensure a smooth recovery:

Use prescribed medications exactly as directed—don’t skip doses or stop early.
Avoid makeup, contact lenses, or activities that expose your eye to dust or wind until healing is complete.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eye from light sensitivity.
Do not drive or operate machinery if your vision is affected or blurry.

Preventing Future Eye Injuries

Protecting your eyes is key, especially if you work in environments where flying debris is a risk. Some tips:

Always wear safety goggles or protective eyewear during home repairs, construction, or outdoor yard work.
Avoid rubbing your eyes, particularly when your hands are not clean.
Handle paper, makeup tools, and contact lenses carefully.
Keep contact lenses clean and follow all care instructions, including never sleeping in them unless prescribed.