How to Deal with the Pain from a Scratched Cornea

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Your cornea acts as a protective layer that covers the front of your eye. The corneal layer is important for your vision, and the outer layer (the corneal epithelium) can filter harmful ultraviolet rays. [1] If your cornea gets scratched, it can cause pain, redness, watering, spasms, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. [2] Do not attempt to treat a scratched cornea on your own if you suspect you have one. You need a doctor to confirm your diagnosis and recommend medication and treatment that is safe given your current health and condition. At home, there are things you can do to ease the pain, such as getting plenty of rest and eating a healthy diet.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Seeking Medical Help

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  1. A scratched cornea can be caused by some things you might not expect, like improperly fitted or maintained contact lenses, rubbing your eyes vigorously, a bacterial infection, or when undergoing surgery under general anesthesia, in addition to the more obvious causes such having your eye poked or some foreign object or matter getting stuck in your eye. [3] A scratched cornea needs medical attention, so see your eye doctor immediately after the injury occurs. [4] Some of the symptoms you might experience include: [5]
    • Pain
    • A feeling of grittiness in the eye
    • Headaches
    • Dizziness or lightheadedness
    • Blurry vision, especially after an injury to the eye [6]
    • Sensitivity to light
  2. Not all commercial eye drops are safe for treating a scratched cornea. In fact, using over the counter eyedrops may make the condition worse. Eyedrops recommended by your doctor may contain antibiotics or steroids which can help prevent infection, alleviate the pain, and reduce inflammation or potential scarring. [7] If you're in a lot of pain, talk to your doctor about eyedrops during the appointment instead of attempting to select eyedrops on your own. [8]
    • Eyedrops help with pain by keeping the eye lubricated. They can also prevent an infection, which can be a complication of a scratched cornea.
    • Use only eyedrops your doctor recommends and closely follow the doctor's instructions when using them.
    • Eyedrops may not require a prescription even if they're recommended by your doctor. However, never use over-the-counter eyedrops unless your doctor advised you to do so when you have a scratched cornea.
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  3. Oral antibiotics are not commonly prescribed for a scratched cornea, but if your doctor does prescribe one, take it exactly as directed. Take all your antibiotics, even after your cornea feels better. [9]
    • Talk to your doctor about any existing medications before taking antibiotics. You want to make sure antibiotics do not interfere with any existing medications you are taking.
    • While your doctor may use topical painkillers in the exam room, these should never be used at home. [10] They can be very dangerous when not applied by a medical doctor. Oral pain medication may be prescribed if pain or light sensitivity is severe.
  4. People who continuously have pain after a corneal abrasion or have permanent and major damage may need surgery. If you need surgery, the doctor will go over the procedure and recovery with you. [11]
  5. Larger or more severe abrasions will take longer. Deep scratches can cause infections, scars, and other complications. Call your doctor with any unusual symptoms or if you have any concerns. [12]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Treating the Pain at Home

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  1. If you are a contact lens wearer, switch to wearing your glasses until it is healed. Contact lenses can stress the damaged cornea and also cause infection. This can make the pain of a scratched cornea much worse. [13]
    • Talk to your doctor about when it is safe to put your contacts back in. Healing times will vary and only your doctor can give you a safe recommendation as to when you can use your contacts again.
    • Wear sunglasses to help with light sensitivity. [14]
  2. Eye patches likely do not help heal minor scratches and may slow down healing. In some cases an eye patch may be recommended to aid in comfort during the healing process. [15]
    • An eye patch may be necessary for light sensitivity following an abrasion.
  3. When you injure your cornea, it can create an itchy sensation that you may feel tempted to scratch. Try to avoid rubbing your eyes, as doing so can increase the damage done to your cornea and infect the eye. [16]
    • If you're struggling with the temptation to scratch your eyes, try doing something that occupies your hands. You could, for example, take up knitting while the cornea heals.
    • You can also do something like wear mittens as this can make rubbing your eyes difficult.
  4. For small abrasions, your doctor may prescribe ice compresses for 24-48 hours to reduce swelling. After this, warm compresses should be used. [17]
  5. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables while your eye heals to get all the nutrients you need to help speed up the healing process. [18] You need to eat foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins. This will help your body heal faster and fight off any potential infections.
    • Vitamin C can help with eye health. The recommended daily amount is at least 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women. Extra health benefits occur above 250 mg. Good sources of vitamin C are broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, guava, bell peppers, grapes, oranges, berries, lychees, and squash.
    • Vitamin E can also help your cornea. The recommended daily amount is at least 22 IU for men and 33 IU for women, but more benefits occur at levels above 250 mg. Good sources of vitamin E include almonds, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, spinach, peanut butter, collard greens, avocados, mango, hazelnuts, and Swiss chard.
    • Vitamin B can also help your eye heal. Sources of vitamin B include wild salmon, skinless turkey, bananas, potatoes, lentils, halibut, tuna, cod, soy milk, and cheese.
    • Lutein and Zeaxanthin can help if you consume more than 6mg a day. Both lutein and zeaxanthin are naturally found in the retina and lens. They work as natural antioxidants, aiding in absorption of harsh light and UV rays. Both are plentiful in leafy green vegetables. [19]
    • Discuss any dietary changes with your doctor before adding supplements. Always follows your doctor's advice before changing diet.
  6. When you allow your body to rest, it can put its efforts towards healing your injured eye. Try to take it easy for the days following the injury. If possible, take time off from work and school.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking Safety Precautions

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  1. When you're in the emergency room or doctor's office, topical medications may be applied to your eye or the area around the eye. Such medications are only safe when applied by a medical doctor. You should not attempt to treat a scratched cornea with topical medications on your own, especially not an over the counter topical medication. [20]
    • The only medications you should take are those prescribed or recommended by your doctor. Usually, your doctor will recommend oral painkillers for a scratched cornea.
  2. A scratched cornea can be caused by a foreign object in the eye. It can be tempting to try to remove this object on your own, especially if it's causing your pain or irritation. However, it can be dangerous to remove anything from your eye on your own if you have a scratched cornea. A doctor can remove the object for you. [21]
  3. Scratching your cornea repeatedly is not good for your eye health. It can increase the chance you will need surgery. Work on taking steps to prevent a scratched cornea from reoccurring the future. [22]
    • Wear protective glasses, such as sunglasses and goggles, to keep objects out of your eye. This is important when you're doing things like hiking or walking, or if you work in an environment where your eyes are at risk.
    • Make sure to clean your contact lenses thoroughly before putting them into your eyes. Never wear contact lenses longer than recommended.
    • If you get dirt or dust in your eyes, do not rub them. Try to rinse out your eyes with eyedrops. If you cannot get a foreign object out of your eye, seek medical help instead of attempting to treat it on your own.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What are some causes of a scratched cornea?
    Mark Cannon, OD
    Board Certified Optometrist
    Dr. Mark Cannon is an Optometrist and Chief of Optometry at Cannon Eyecare, a family-owned optometry practice in Seattle, Washington. With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Cannon specializes in ocular disease, dry eye, glaucoma, eye infection, contact lens fitting, and pediatrics. Dr. Cannon holds a BS in Biology and Psychology from Indiana University. He received his Doctorate in Optometry from Indiana University School of Optometry, where he earned the Dean's Scholar award and participated in years of ophthalmic research. Dr. Cannon worked as an optometrist for four years before founding Cannon Eyecare, which offers full-scope medical optometry services. Dr. Cannon is a member of the American Optometric Association, King County Optometric Society, and the Optometric Physicians of Washington.
    Mark Cannon, OD
    Board Certified Optometrist
    Expert Answer
    A scratched cornea can happen in many different ways, but a common one is having a puppy or baby scratch you in the eye. It hurts a lot and needs medical attention, so see your eye doctor immediately after the injury occurs and the pain starts.
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      Warnings

      • If you experience fever, nausea, vomiting, visual changes, or other unexplained symptoms, contact a doctor right away.
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      • Avoid using antibiotic or prescription eye drops formerly used to treat your own eyes or someone else's eyes. Formerly used drops can start an infection because the tips of the bottles sometimes become contaminated. Dispose of any unused prescription eye drops after treatment.
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      • Do not use compresses made from food products such as frozen cucumbers. It may contaminate your eyes, especially already damaged eyes that are vulnerable to infection. This can occur as the cucumber thaws, if it is harboring bacteria. It's best to use sterilized materials. Use an ice compress if you doctor recommends one.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5525501/
      2. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/first-aid-eye-scratches
      3. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/corneal-abrasion-cause
      4. ↑ Mark Cannon, OD. Board Certified Optometrist. Expert Interview. 14 August 2020.
      5. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14423-corneal-abrasion
      6. ↑ http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/corneal-abrasion
      7. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/corneal-abrasion-treatment
      8. ↑ http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/corneal-abrasion
      9. ↑ http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/corneal-abrasion
      1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532960/
      2. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-corneal-abrasion
      3. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-corneal-abrasion
      4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14423-corneal-abrasion
      5. ↑ https://www.stlukes-stl.com/health-content/health-ency-multimedia/1/001017.htm
      6. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/corneal-abrasion-treatment
      7. ↑ http://journals.lww.com/nursing/Fulltext/2013/02000/Corneal_abrasion.14.aspx
      8. ↑ https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/eye-injury/
      9. ↑ http://www.aoa.org/patients-and-public/caring-for-your-vision/nutrition/nutrition-and-cataracts?sso
      10. ↑ https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/diet-and-nutrition?sso=y
      11. ↑ http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/corneal-abrasion
      12. ↑ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/injuries
      13. ↑ http://journals.lww.com/nursing/Fulltext/2013/02000/Corneal_abrasion.14.aspx

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To deal with the pain from a scratched cornea, make an appointment with your doctor right away, since you may need prescription eye drops to treat the condition safely. Make sure to avoid over-the-counter eye drops, which can make the injury worse. Additionally, use ice compressors to reduce any swelling during the first 48 hours. You should also wear glasses instead of contact lenses, which can irritate the injury. While you may be tempted to rub your eye, avoid doing so since it can cause further damage. For tips from our Medical co-author on how to deal with an infection caused by a scratched cornea, read on!

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