Corneal Abrasions
The cornea is the clear, outer layer 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 and corneal abrasions very painful.
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 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.
Please contact The Nielsen Eye Center for information on treatment for corneal abrasions. Simply call 617-471-5665. Our Greater Boston practice has office locations in Norwell, Weymouth, and Quincy Massachusetts.
