The cornea is the transparent layer that protects the pupil, iris and anterior chamber. It focuses most of the light that gets through your eyes. Even a small scratch on the cornea could be extremely painful because it has a lot of nerves and nerve endings. See an eye doctor immediately if you suffer from this injury because it requires immediate care to avoid lasting vision loss.
Here’s how you will know if you have a scratched cornea.
Signs You Have a Scratched Cornea
Tearing, eye pain and a sensation of having something in your eye are among the most common symptoms of a scratched cornea. You might see a tiny speckle of blood if the scratch is on the white part of your eye. There could also be some redness on your sclera or conjunctiva.
Patients might experience blurry vision, light sensitivity and headaches due to a scraped or scratched cornea. This condition is called corneal abrasion and could permanently affect your vision. If this is the case, you must see a specialist as soon as possible. Head to the nearest hospital if you are in serious pain or having issues with your vision.
How Is This Eye Injury Treated?
Minor corneal abrasion usually heals on its own after a few days, but you must still schedule an eye exam. Your eye doctor can provide you with a proper diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. Only eye care professionals know if you need certain medications or dry eye treatments.
Never use any eye drops unless your eye doctor recommends it. Keep in mind that no over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops are suitable for corneal abrasion. Ophthalmologists usually prescribe antibiotic eye drops for inflammation or to reduce the chances of inflammation.
Are you looking for high-quality eyeglasses or contact lenses? Let Opti-Care help you choose the ideal eyewear for your needs. Call us at (410) 795-8670, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve patients around Westminster, MD.