Scratched cornea—common causes, symptoms and potential treatments

Something striking or getting onto your eye

It’s not always something big and dangerous like a tree branch or flying object that can scratch your cornea. Dust, dirt, or small particles getting into the eye during everyday activities like gardening or cleaning can do it too. Even seemingly minor incidents, like accidentally rubbing your eyes with dirty hands or fingernails can lead to injury. Being aware of these hazards and wearing eye protection like goggles or safety glasses can help with prevention.

Contact lens issues

Using contact lenses improperly can increase the risk of scratching your eye. Knowing how to put on and take off contacts without using your fingernails is crucial. Be sure to follow your eye care provider's guidelines regarding wearing and caring for lenses. Proper hygiene, including cleaning and disinfecting lenses regularly and always washing your hands thoroughly with mild soap, helps keep debris from getting on or behind your lens.

Incidental contact with beauty products

Everyday items, like makeup brushes, can scratch your cornea if you're not careful. When applying makeup, be cautious, going slower when you’re around your eye areas. Also, hairbrushes and curling irons present risks, especially if you’re in a hurry. Try to stay eye-aware any time you’re using tools like that.

Eye pain

The pain level can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Since the cornea has many nerve endings, even a small scratch can feel intense. People often describe it as a sharp, stabbing sensation, which can be feel worse when blinking or looking around. If you’re experiencing this, see an eye doctor immediately.

Gritty feeling

Many people feel as if there’s something stuck in their eye. While it can be tempting, rubbing the eye can actually worsen the injury, so it’s essential to keep yourself from doing so.

Watery eyes

Tearing up is one of the body’s natural responses to eye irritation. When the eye feels hurt, it often produces tears as a protective mechanism to help keep the eye lubricated and flush out any irritants. Even if the cause of the scratched cornea is no longer present, the eye may still continue to water uncontrollably.

Blurred vision

When the cornea is scratched, light may not refract as it normally does. The scratch can also cause your cornea to swell and your eyes to water, which can exacerbate blurry vision.

Sensitivity to light

Many people with a corneal abrasion experience photophobia—where bright light becomes difficult to tolerate. This sensitivity can happen when inflammation makes the eye more reactive to light. If this happens, you may prefer dimly lit environments and your eye doctor may recommend keeping your eye covered or closed.

Flushing the eye

A rinse with saline or clean water can help remove debris and alleviate discomfort. This initial step often provides quick relief and helps prevent further irritation or infection. If a foreign object is lodged in your eye, a healthcare professional can assist in removing it safely.

Antibiotic eye drops

Your healthcare provider will likely prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to prevent infection. Using these medications is important because even a minor scratch can become infected if not treated correctly. Following their guidance on how often and how long to use the drops helps ensure your cornea has the best chance to heal without complications.

Pain management

Depending on the scratch's severity, your provider might recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. Keeping the eye closed as much as possible can also aid in comfort and healing during the initial days after the injury.

Preventing further damage

Avoid rubbing your eye to prevent worsening the scratch or introducing new irritants. Sometimes, an eye care provider may recommend a special bandage contact lens, or pressure patching the eye closed to protect the eye while it heals. This may help reduce pain and allow for a smoother recovery.