An abrasion, or scratch, on the corneal surface, can create significant pain, foreign body sensation, redness, light sensitivity, tearing, blurry vision and eyelid swelling.
Corneal abrasions can be caused by injury from a finger, foreign body, rubbing, blunt trauma, contact lens wear, or anything external that may touch the cornea. Occasionally, corneal abrasions can be spontaneous, due to conditions that predispose the cornea to an abrasion, such as a corneal dystrophy or a neurotrophic cornea.
A variety of treatment options exist for corneal abrasions including antibiotic ointments or drops, bandage soft contact lenses, patching, and oral pain medication. Topical anesthetic (numbing) drops should never be used to treat any eye condition.
Most simple, small abrasions heal in 2–3 days. In severe cases, it can take weeks. If the scratch becomes infected, the condition becomes much more serious and could result in permanent vision loss due to scar formation, which is why medical attention from an eye care professional is imperative.
Wheaton Eye Clinic’s unparalleled commitment to excellence is evident in our continued growth. Today we provide world-class medical and surgical care to patients in six suburban locations—Wheaton, Naperville, Hinsdale, Plainfield, St. Charles, and Bartlett.
(630) 668-8250 (800) 637-1054
