Preventing and Treating Scratched Eye | Specialty Vision

Protect your vision with expert guidance on preventing and treating scratched eyes. Corneal abrasions can happen easily, but with the right care, healing is achievable.

Table of Contents

Immediate Steps to Care for a Scratched Eye
Understanding Scratched Eyes
Treating a Scratched Eye
Preventative Measures for Protecting Your Eyes
When to Seek Professional Help
Preventing and Treating Scratched Eye | Specialty Vision
Preventing and Treating Scratched Eye | Specialty Vision
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Immediate Steps to Care for a Scratched Eye

Gently Rinse: Use sterile saline solution to carefully flush out any debris from your eye. This step helps remove particles that might worsen the scratch or lead to infection.
Avoid Rubbing: It may feel instinctive to rub your eye to relieve discomfort, but rubbing can deepen the abrasion and push any debris further into the eye tissue. Instead, try blinking frequently to naturally help remove irritants.
Skip Over-the-Counter Drops: Avoid using redness-reducing or numbing drops unless specifically advised by our eye doctors. Some drops can interfere with the healing process or cause additional irritation.
Hold Off on Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately and refrain from reinserting them until your eye is completely healed. This helps prevent further abrasion or bacterial contamination.
Call Our Office: The specifics of your injury are important to determine if you need to be seen right away, call our office for specific guidance on what you should do next.

By taking these immediate steps, you lower the risk of infection and give your eye the best environment possible to begin healing. This information is designed for minor scratches. For serious cuts including; deep cuts, scratches accompanied with other symptoms such as reduced vision, bleeding, and cuts on edge of eye lid, you should see an eye doctor without delay.

Understanding Scratched Eyes

Types of Eye Scratches

Conjunctiva Lacerations: These occur on the white part of the eye, the conjunctiva. They often cause noticeable redness, irritation, and sometimes small blood spots when tiny vessels are affected. Although they tend to be less painful than corneal abrasions, they still require careful attention to prevent infection.
Corneal Abrasions: These involve a scratch on the clear, protective layer known as the cornea. Since the cornea is rich with nerve endings, even a small abrasion can be very painful. The injury may also cause blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light, making daily activities uncomfortable.

The Importance of Seeing an Eye Doctor After Scratching Your Eye

Seeing an eye doctor is important to prevent complications and promote healing, A delay in treatment can lead to complications, such as:

Infections: An open wound on the cornea is susceptible to serious infections.
Recurrent Corneal Erosions: Improper healing can lead to recurrent abrasions that cause ongoing pain.
Visual Impairment: Poorly healed abrasions can obscure vision or lead to scarring, impacting quality of life.

Everyday Causes of Corneal Scratches (And Why They Happen More Often Than You Think)

Corneal abrasions—those tiny yet painful scratches on the eye's surface—can happen in the most unexpected ways. You don’t need to be in a high-risk environment to end up with one; everyday activities are more than enough to do the trick. Let’s break down some of the most common culprits.

Fingernails and Hands – Whether it's a curious child poking their own eye or an accidental slip while rubbing your eyelid, a sharp fingernail is one of the most common causes of corneal scratches.
Makeup Mishaps – Eyeliner pencils, mascara wands, or makeup brushes—especially when applied in a hurry—can easily graze the eye’s surface.
Flying Debris – Dust, sand, sawdust, or even microscopic metal shavings can blow into the eyes, particularly in outdoor or construction settings. Rubbing only makes it worse.
Contact Lens Blunders – Improper insertion, removing them with dry fingers, or over-wearing lenses can lead to tiny abrasions over time.
Tree Branches and Outdoor Hazards – Walking through wooded areas or even tending to houseplants can lead to an unexpected brush with danger—literally.
Eye Rubbing (When Something Feels "Stuck") – It’s instinctive to rub your eye when you feel a speck of dust or an eyelash inside. But instead of helping, rubbing can push the particle further in, scratching the cornea in the process.
Chemical Irritants – Cleaning sprays, perfumes, and other household chemicals can cause surface damage, leading to irritation that makes you rub your eyes—creating a double whammy.

When a Tiny Scratch Feels Like a Big Problem

Corneal abrasions may be microscopic, but they sure don’t feel that way. The cornea is packed with nerve endings, making even the smallest scratch feel like a major irritation. If you’ve ever had that persistent "something's stuck in my eye" feeling, only to find nothing there, chances are you’ve experienced a minor scratch. But how do you know if it’s more than just a fleeting discomfort?

Signs Your Eye Might Be Scratched

A corneal abrasion can trigger a cascade of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

A gritty sensation – like there’s sand or an eyelash in your eye that won’t go away
Persistent pain – especially noticeable when blinking or exposed to bright light
Redness and irritation – your eye might look inflamed and feel tender
Excessive tearing – your eye’s natural defense mechanism kicking in
Blurred or hazy vision – making it harder to focus
Light sensitivity – even normal lighting can suddenly feel overwhelming
Frequent blinking or spasms – in the affected eye

If any of these symptoms last beyond a day or seem to be getting worse, that’s your cue to seek professional care.

Treating a Scratched Eye

Home Care Essentials

While medical treatment is vital, you can also take steps at home to support healing:

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Resist the urge to rub or touch the affected eye, as this can exacerbate the injury and hinder healing.
Use Cold Compresses: Applying a clean, cold compress can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Sunglasses for Light Sensitivity: Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from bright light, which can worsen discomfort.
Minimize Screen Time: Reduce the use of screens during the healing process to avoid eye strain.
Keep Follow-Up Appointments: Adhere to your eye doctor's recommendations for follow-ups to ensure proper healing.

How Our Eye Doctors Treat Corneal Abrasions

The right treatment for a scratched eye depends on how deep the abrasion is and whether there’s a risk of infection. Your eye care provider will assess the injury and recommend a tailored approach to help your eye heal properly.

Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointments – Since even a small scratch can allow bacteria to enter the eye, prescription antibiotic drops or ointments are often used to prevent infection, especially if a foreign object or contact lenses were involved.

Pain-Relieving Drops or Medications – Some corneal abrasions can be particularly painful, so your doctor may prescribe special eye drops to ease discomfort. In some cases, oral pain relievers may also be recommended.

Bandage Contact Lenses – For moderate to severe scratches, a soft, protective contact lens can be used to shield the cornea, reduce discomfort, and promote healing. Unlike regular lenses, these don’t correct vision—they simply act as a bandage.

Cycloplegic Drops (Pupil-Dilating Drops) – If your eye is extremely sensitive to light, these drops can temporarily dilate the pupil, reducing spasms in the eye’s focusing muscles and easing pain.

Moisturizing Drops or Ointments – Hydrating eye drops can create a soothing barrier over the cornea, helping with healing and reducing irritation.

Eye Patching (Less Common Today) – While older treatments often included patching the eye to limit movement, modern research suggests that this isn’t always necessary and may not speed up healing. However, in some cases, an eye doctor may still recommend it.

When Additional Treatment is Needed

For deeper abrasions or cases with signs of infection, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or recommend more advanced treatments. In rare situations, if the injury is severe, a minor procedure or surgery may be necessary to prevent long-term vision problems.

No matter the treatment plan, following your doctor’s instructions is crucial. Proper care, including attending follow-up appointments, ensures that your eye heals smoothly—preventing complications like corneal ulcers or permanent scarring.

The right treatment for a scratched eye depends on how deep the abrasion is and whether there’s a risk of infection. Your eye care provider will assess the injury and recommend a tailored approach to help your eye heal properly.

Healing Process and Recovery Management

The cornea is one of the fastest-healing tissues in your body, so most minor abrasions begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours. However, the healing time largely depends on the size and depth of the scratch. Here’s what you can typically expect:

Minor Conjunctiva Scratches: These may heal completely within one to two days with proper care.
Moderate to Severe Corneal Abrasions: These injuries might take several days to a week or more to fully resolve, especially if complications like infection occur.
Infected or Deep Injuries: In some cases, a deep scratch may take longer to heal and could require a more intensive treatment regimen with closer monitoring by our eye doctors.

If you notice that your symptoms are not improving or if the pain, redness, and blurred vision persist, do not hesitate to contact our office. Early intervention can prevent complications like recurrent corneal erosion, which is when the corneal surface becomes prone to repeated scratches, often occurring suddenly, such as when you first wake up.

Special Considerations for Contact Lens Wearers

If you or your child wear contact lenses, extra caution should be exercised. Contact lenses can sometimes increase the risk of corneal abrasions, particularly if they are not fitted properly or if they are worn beyond the recommended time frame. Here are some important points to consider:

Remove Lenses: Contact lenses should be removed immediately if a corneal abrasion occurs, and you should refrain from wearing them until your eye has healed completely.
Choose the Right Lenses: Discuss with your eye care provider the best type of contact lenses for your eyes and lifestyle to minimize the risk of future abrasions.
Regular Check-Ups: Maintain regular eye exams to ensure your contact lenses fit properly and to evaluate your overall eye health.
Follow Usage Instructions: Make sure to adhere to the prescribed wearing schedule. Do not sleep in your contact lenses unless they are specifically designed for extended wear.
Keep Lenses Clean: Replace your contact lens solution regularly and use the appropriate cleaning solutions recommended by your eye care provider to prevent infections and abrasions.
Inspect Lenses for Damage: Always check for rough edges or tears in your lenses before use. Damaged lenses can easily scratch the surface of your eye.
Maintain Eye Moisture: If you frequently experience dry eyes, it’s vital to address this issue with your eye doctor. Dry eyes can increase the risk of your eyelids sticking to the cornea and causing an abrasion when you blink.

Find a top optometrist near you to get professional help for your scratched eye today!

Preventative Measures for Protecting Your Eyes

Preventing a scratched eye is often easier than treating one, and incorporating a few practical habits into your daily routine can go a long way in keeping your vision safe.

Here are some easy yet effective prevention tips:

Wear Protective Eyewear: Whether you are engaging in sports, handling power tools, or gardening, always wear safety glasses or goggles. Protective eyewear is crucial in environments where there is a risk of flying debris, chemicals, or any hazardous particles.
Practice Good Contact Lens Hygiene: Follow the guidelines provided with your contact lenses. This includes cleaning and disinfecting them regularly, replacing them as recommended, and never using tap water or saliva for cleaning. Additionally, avoid sleeping, showering, or swimming with your contacts in.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes: Even if you feel like something is in your eye, try blinking several times or gently rinsing your eye with saline. Rubbing can worsen even a minor scratch or introduce harmful particles into the sensitive surface of your eye.

When to Seek Professional Help

Persistent Pain: If you continue to have pain that doesn’t lessen after initial care.
Blurred or Worsening Vision: Any change in the clarity of your vision should be taken seriously.
Intense Light Sensitivity: When bright light becomes unbearable, it may indicate a deeper injury.
Excessive Tearing or Unusual Discharge: These symptoms could point to an infection developing in the injured area.
Foreign Bodies That Can’t Be Removed: If you notice that something is still lodged in your eye despite rinsing, it’s time to see our eye doctors.

When a Scratch Becomes a Bigger Problem: Risks & Recurring Issues

A corneal abrasion might seem like a minor inconvenience, but without proper care, it can lead to complications. The most troublesome? Recurrent corneal erosion (RCE). Sometimes, after a scratch heals, the new layer of corneal cells doesn’t fully adhere to the underlying tissue. This weak attachment can cause the surface to break down again—often overnight or upon waking—leading to sudden eye pain, tearing, and light sensitivity. Those who’ve had a corneal abrasion before or have conditions like corneal dystrophies are particularly at risk.

Infections: A Serious But Preventable Risk

A corneal abrasion is essentially an open wound on the eye, which means bacteria can take advantage—especially if the scratch came from organic material (like a tree branch or fingernail) or if treatment isn’t followed properly. Signs of an infection include: Increased redness and swelling Worsening pain that doesn’t improve Blurry vision or changes in eyesight Excessive discharge or tearing

Early intervention with antibiotic treatment can usually prevent more serious issues, including corneal ulcers.