Corneal Abrasions

The cornea is the clear, outer window of the eye. A corneal abrasion is simply a scratch in the epithelium (skin), or the thin, outer layer of the cornea. Abrasions usually heal in a short time period, sometimes within hours. Deeper or larger scratches may take up to a week. The cornea has a tremendous number of nerve endings, which makes any damage to the cornea very painful.

Please contact Nielsen Eye Center for information on treatment for corneal abrasions. Our Boston and Quincy, Massachusetts-area eye care team can help.

Corneal Abrasion Symptoms

• History of a recent eye trauma
• Watery eyes
• Acute pain
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision
• The feeling that there's something in your eye
• Twitching eyelid

Treating Corneal Abrasions

Your doctor may apply a topical anesthesia to help relieve the pain. Usually, a tight patch will be placed over the eye and if the abrasion is small, the epithelium should heal overnight. If the abrasion is large, it may take a few days and your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infections. It is important that you do not rub your eye, especially during the healing process.