Overview
The cornea is densely supplied with nerve endings, which is why even a tiny scratch feels catastrophic. Abrasions come from fingernails, branches, make-up brushes, sand, grinding debris, and very commonly from contact lenses.
Most heal within 24 to 72 hours. The reason to be examined rather than to wait is infection: a scratched cornea, particularly in a contact lens wearer, can develop an ulcer that scars and permanently affects vision.
What are the common symptoms?
- Sharp pain and a strong feeling that something is still in the eye
- Heavy watering
- Marked light sensitivity
- Redness and difficulty keeping the eye open
- Blurred vision if the scratch is over the pupil
What causes it, and who is at risk?
- Fingernails, paper edges, branches, make-up applicators
- Sand, dust and grit, especially with power tools
- Contact lens wear — over-wear, poor fit, or removing a dry lens
- Rubbing an eye with a foreign body in it
- Dry eye, which makes the surface fragile
How is it treated?
Do not rub it, and do not use old anaesthetic drops — they delay healing and mask worsening.
- Examination with fluorescein dye to size the abrasion and exclude a retained foreign body
- Removal of any foreign body
- Antibiotic drops or ointment to prevent infection
- Lubricants, and oral pain relief
- No contact lenses until fully healed and cleared
- Follow-up within a day or two for anything larger than minor
When to get seen quickly
Go straight to emergency care for a chemical splash — flush with clean water for 15 minutes first — or for anything that has hit the eye at speed, any suspicion that something has penetrated the eye, or worsening pain and vision after 24 hours.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Only an eye care professional who has examined you can tell you what is actually going on.