How to Treat Eye Abrasions
Eye or corneal abrasions are caused by scratching or cutting your cornea. Your cornea is a thin, clear membrane that covers the front of your eye. An eye abrasion will cause pain, tearing, sensitivity to light, a feeling like there is something in your eye, or a gritty sensation. You will need to have your eye abrasion evaluated and treated or you risk harming your vision. There are steps you can take to treat eye abrasions.
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Instructions
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See your eye doctor. Your eye doctor will evaluate your eye abrasion and determine the appropriate treatment. If your abrasion is caused by a foreign object, he will use drops to numb your eye before removing the object.
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Take your antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. The antibiotics may be oral, or in eye-drop form. Follow the directions carefully and finish the entire prescription.
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Use a topical pain reliever. Your doctor may give you eye drop pain relievers. The drops will numb your eye and help relieve the pain.
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Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol to relieve your eye pain. Anti-inflammatory medication is also effective, as it may reduce swelling that is accompanied by your abrasion. Check with your doctor before taking pain medication.
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Rest your eye. Eye abrasions are painful and are made worse by eye strain. Take breaks from reading, computer work and watching television. Close your eyes to relieve pain and sensitivity.
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Tips & Warnings
Dim the lights. Your eye abrasion will cause photosensitivity, or sensitivity to light. Bright light will cause eye pain, so keep the lights down low for a few days. Wear sunglasses if you go outside to minimize your eye sensitivity.
Your eye abrasion should heal in a couple of days, but if you experience severe pain, drainage, or loss of vision, you may have a serious infection or injury. Call your doctor immediately. If you do not get quick medical attention, you may experience vision loss.
