Corneal Abrasion

A corneal abrasion is one of the most common eye injuries, and it can happen to anyone. Whether you accidentally scratch your eye with a fingernail or get a small particle lodged under your eyelid, a corneal abrasion can cause significant pain and discomfort. Understanding what a corneal abrasion is, how to recognize one, and what to do about it can help you respond quickly and protect your vision. Las Vegas residents who experience a corneal abrasion should know that same-day emergency eye care is available.

What Is a Corneal Abrasion?

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or scrape on the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. The cornea plays a critical role in focusing light and protecting the inner structures of the eye. When the outermost layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is damaged, it exposes the sensitive nerve endings beneath, which is why even a small scratch can be intensely painful.

What Causes a Corneal Abrasion?

Corneal abrasions can result from a wide range of everyday situations, including:

Accidentally poking your eye with a fingernail, pen, or makeup applicator
Getting dust, sand, dirt, or small debris in the eye
Rubbing your eyes too aggressively, especially when something is trapped under the eyelid
Contact lens wear, particularly if lenses are worn too long, inserted improperly, or are damaged
Exposure to wind, dry air, or working in environments with airborne particles without protective eyewear
Sports injuries or objects striking the eye area

What Does a Corneal Abrasion Feel Like?

The symptoms of a corneal abrasion typically come on suddenly and may include:

Sharp or stinging pain in the affected eye
A persistent feeling that something is stuck in your eye
Excessive tearing or watery eyes
Redness
Sensitivity to light
Blurred vision in the affected eye
Difficulty keeping the eye open

Symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the size and depth of the scratch.

How Is a Corneal Abrasion Diagnosed?

An eye doctor can diagnose a corneal abrasion during an examination using a special dye called fluorescein. When this dye is applied to the eye and viewed under a blue light, damaged or missing epithelial cells on the cornea will appear as a highlighted area, confirming the location and size of the abrasion.

How Are Corneal Abrasions Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the abrasion. Common approaches include:

Antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection while the cornea heals
A bandage contact lens, which acts as a protective covering over the damaged area, reducing pain and allowing the epithelium to regenerate
In more severe cases, an amniotic membrane may be placed over the cornea to support healing

The good news is that the corneal epithelium regenerates relatively quickly compared to most tissues in the body. Many minor abrasions heal within one to three days, though larger or deeper scratches may take longer and require follow-up visits to monitor progress.

What Should You Do If You Think You Have a Corneal Abrasion?

If you suspect a corneal abrasion, take these steps:

Do not rub your eye, as this can make the injury worse or push debris further into the cornea
If you can see a small particle on the surface of your eye, try gently rinsing with clean saline or artificial tears
Do not attempt to remove an object that is embedded in the eye
Avoid wearing contact lenses until your eye doctor confirms the abrasion has fully healed
Seek prompt eye care, especially if you experience severe pain, significant vision changes, or if symptoms do not improve within a few hours

When Is a Corneal Abrasion an Emergency?

Seek immediate care if you experience sudden vision loss, an injury caused by a high-speed object or chemical exposure, extreme pain that is not manageable, or if you see white or gray spots on your cornea. These may indicate a more serious injury or the beginning of an infection such as a corneal ulcer, which requires urgent treatment.

How Can You Prevent Corneal Abrasions?

While not all corneal abrasions are avoidable, you can reduce your risk by:

Wearing protective eyewear during sports, yard work, or any activity that involves flying debris
Trimming fingernails regularly, especially for young children
Following proper contact lens care, including cleaning, storing, and replacing lenses according to your doctor’s instructions
Avoiding rubbing your eyes, particularly if you feel something in them

If you experience symptoms of a corneal abrasion, our team at Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas offers same-day emergency eye appointments. Call 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com to get the care you need quickly.