Understanding Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

A corneal abrasion is a small scratch on the cornea — the clear, front “window” of your eye. Because this surface has many nerve endings, even a tiny scratch can cause severe discomfort.

Common Causes

Corneal abrasions can happen due to everyday accidents, such as:

• Fingernail or object injury (hairbrush, tree branch, makeup applicator)
• Dust, grit, or foreign particles getting trapped under the eyelid
• Impact injuries, like walking into something
• Contact lens mishaps during insertion or removal

Symptoms

You may experience one or more of the following:

• Sharp eye pain
• Redness and excessive watering
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Blurred or hazy vision
• Feeling like something is stuck in the eye

Symptoms usually improve within 24–48 hours with proper care.

Diagnosis & Treatment

During an eye examination, your eye doctor will:

• Check for foreign bodies
• Assess the size and depth of the abrasion
• Use anaesthetic drops temporarily for comfort (not for home use)

Typical Treatment Includes:

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection
• Lubricating drops for comfort
• A protective eye pad may be advised for short-term relief
• Oral painkillers if needed

Home Care & Recovery Tips

To help your eye heal quickly and safely:

• Take recommended pain relievers (e.g., paracetamol)
• Wear sunglasses to ease light sensitivity
• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes
• Stop contact lens wear until fully healed and cleared by your eye specialist

Apply drops/ointment correctly:

1. Wash hands
2. Pull lower eyelid to form a pocket
3. Instill medication
4. Blink gently

Most corneal abrasions heal well within a couple of days.

Recurrent Corneal Erosion

In some cases, weeks or months after healing, you may wake up with sudden pain similar to the original injury. This is called Recurrent Corneal Erosion (RCE).

What to do:

• Seek medical attention
• Treatment may include night-time lubricating ointments to improve healing

When to Contact an Eye Specialist Immediately

Seek urgent care if:

• Pain or redness worsens
• Vision becomes more blurred
• The eyelids become swollen
• Symptoms persist beyond 48 hours