Scratched Eye: What should you do?

Eye scratches are very common, and many are not serious, but some scratches can put you at risk for an eye infection or affect vision. Doctors often refer to an eye scratch as a corneal abrasion. It is essential to understand what to do and not do if you sustain an eye scratch to prevent things from worsening. 

The article below explains what to do and what to avoid with an eye scratch. 
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Common cause of eye scratches 

There are several things that can easily scratch your eye. Possible causes of eye scratches include the following: 

• Sand, dust, and dirt particles
• Contact lenses
• Fingernails
• Makeup 
• Bugs
• Glitter
• Wood or metal shavings 
• Chemicals 

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Symptoms of an eye scratch 

Symptoms of an eye scratch may vary depending on the severity of the abrasion. 
Some common symptoms of a scratched eye include:

• A gritty feeling in the eye
• Eye pain 
• Tearing 
• Redness
• Sensitivity to light 
• Blurry vision 

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Is a scratched eye serious? 

An eye scratch can be serious depending on the layer of the cornea scratched. For instance, the cornea's outermost layer, called the epithelium, is similar to the skin. A minor scratch to this layer may not cause significant symptoms and may heal quickly. 

However, a corneal abrasion penetrating deeper layers may cause more severe symptoms, such as increased pain. This type of scratch may require additional treatment to reduce the risk of complications. 

The bottom line is that whenever you sustain a corneal scratch, it is a good idea to have it checked out, especially if symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen.
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Caring for a scratched eye

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there are steps you can take and things you should avoid if you get an eye scratch. Caring for a scratch includes easing symptoms and trying to prevent the foreign matter from further damaging the eye. In instances when the foreign material is small, such as dirt or sand, removing it safely may also be an option. 

Consider the following ways to care for an eye scratch: 

Rinse your eye with clean water or a saline solution. This will help flush a foreign object, such as sand or dirt, from the eye. 

Blink. Try to blink more often than normal if possible. This also may help remove small particles from the eye that lead to a scratch. 

Wear sunglasses. Your eye may be sensitive to light while it heals. Sunglasses can make you more comfortable. 

Do not rub your eye. It might be instinctive to rub your eye, but this can further scratch the cornea. 

Do not use anything to remove the foreign object. Do not touch anything to your eye, such as a cotton swab. This can lead to additional damage. Leave removal of the foreign material to a doctor. 

Avoid wearing contacts. As you are healing, avoid wearing contact lenses. Lenses can irritate the scratch and may increase the risk of infection. 

See an eye doctor. In cases where a small particle of sand or dirt got into the eye and you flushed it out, you may not need professional care. But if you cannot safely remove a foreign object, you do not know what scratched your eye, or symptoms worsen, it is best to see an eye doctor. 

We hope the above information is helpful if you sustain an eye scratch. Remember, one of the best ways to prevent corneal abrasions is by wearing appropriate protective eyewear for your activity. 

If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.