A small scratch on the cornea, which is the transparent membrane that protects the eyes, can cause intense eye pain, redness and tearing, and it is necessary to use cold compresses and medications. However, this lesion is usually not severe and will stop within 2 or 3 days.
This type of injury, also known as corneal abrasion, can happen if there is any foreign body in the eye. In these cases, if it is very small, it can be removed using a lot of clean water, but in the case of larger objects, the person should be taken to the emergency room.
The doctor may prescribe the use of an antibiotic ointment to apply directly to the injured eye, in addition to eye drops, and in some cases, it may be necessary to make a dressing that covers the whole eye, because blinking may aggravate the symptoms and worsen the lesion.
Home treatment
It is normal for the eye to be sensitive and reddish, and as a natural response of the body, there is an increase in the production of tears and so this eye can tear a lot. Most of the time, the lesion is very small and does not need to be evaluated by the doctor because the cornea regenerates quickly and within 48 hours the symptoms should disappear completely.
Treatment for scratched corneas can be done with simple measures like the steps below.
1. Use of an ice pack
You can use crushed ice or a sachet of iced chamomile tea wrapped in a napkin to protect the skin. It can be allowed to act for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day to deflate and decrease pain and discomfort.
2. Use eye drops
While symptoms are present it may be helpful to wear sunglasses and drip drops of eye drops, also known as artificial tears in the affected eye. There are eyewashes with a calming and healing effect that can be purchased at the pharmacy, even without a prescription. A good example is the eye drops Moura Brazil. Check the leaflet for this eye drop by clicking here.
3. Protect the eyes
The person should remain with their eyes closed and avoid blinking, remaining at rest for a few moments, until they feel better. Then you can try to open the injured eye, slowly, facing the mirror to see if there is any visible change in the eye.
On this day it is recommended not to do physical activity, not to dive into the sea, or in the pool and it may be useful to consume foods that facilitate healing with milk and eggs. See more examples by clicking here.
How to know if the cornea is scratched
Signs and symptoms that may indicate that the injury to the eye is severe and that there is a scratch on the cornea are:
- Intense pain in the affected eye;
- Constant and excessive tearing;
- Difficulty staying with the injured eye open;
- Blurry vision;
- Greater sensitivity to light;
- Sensation of sand in the eyes.
This lesion, scientifically called corneal abrasion, can occur in people of all ages, when pressing the eye with the finger or with some object, but can also be caused by the dry eye.
When to go to the doctor
It is recommended to go to the doctor when the person can not open the affected eye, when it is not possible to remove the object that is injuring the eye, when there are tears of blood, intense pain and eye discomfort or when there is a suspicion of eye burns.
The ophthalmologist can perform a more specific examination, after applying local anesthesia, to evaluate the injured eye and indicate its severity and the indicated treatment. In more severe cases, it may even be necessary to have surgery to remove the object from the eye.
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