Question 1

how to get help for a cornea scratch?

Accepted Answer

Depends: This depends on the cause of the scratch. If it is still bothersome after a day or so then you should see your eye doctor. They will likely place you on drops to prevent infection , minimize dryness and and speed healing, these should heal reltively rapidly.

Question 2

how can you tell if your cornea is scratched?

Accepted Answer

See an eye doc: Only an exam will be able to diagnose a corneal abrasion or other more serious issues.  Symptoms are generally pain and feeling of something in your eye.

Question 3

why do i keep getting scratched corneas every once in a while, am i just accident prone?

Accepted Answer

Habit: Do you have a habit of pulling at your hair when you are nervous? Your may also notice broken piece of hair of different lengths.

Question 4

what are the signs of a scratched cornea?

Accepted Answer

Pain, tearing: A corneal abrasion will result in significant pain and the feeling that there is something in the eye. The eye will become red and tear. Depending on the location of the scratch, there may also be blurred vision.

Question 5

what does a scratched cornea look like?

Accepted Answer

It depends . . .: To a layperson a scratched cornea might look like a red tearing eye.  An eye doctor would use a microscope called a slit lamp to inspect the cornea.  A small amount of dye will highlight the scratch under a blue light attached to the microscope.  With proper treatment a small scratch on the cornea should heal quickly and leave minimal if any scarring.

Question 6

how do i determine if i have a scratched cornea?

Accepted Answer

Usually: It hurts when you blink.  And usually you have a history of a foreign object contacting your cornea.

Question 7

how should i make my scratched cornea feel better?

Accepted Answer

Keep eye closed: When you blink, the eyelid rubs the corneal abrasion increasing the pain.  Keeping your lid closed will lower the discomfort.  A cool compress applied to the lid may also help.  Over the counter analgesics, like ibuprofen, are also advised.

Question 8

how long does it take for scratched cornea to heal?

Accepted Answer

Typically, 24 hours: The cornea turns over new cells every 24 hours, so typically a scratch will heal withing 24-48 hours, depending on how deep the scratch may be.  You also need to be concerned that there is still not a foreign body present in the eye or the eye becomes infected.  If your vision is affected, the pain increases, symptoms not improving, the eye is getting more red or is matted in the am, see your doc.

Question 9

i think i have a scratched cornea and i need advice?

Accepted Answer

Lubrication: Use lubricating drops, hourly, and got to your eye doctor or er for worsening pain, discharge and visual loss.

Question 10

are there ways to make my scratched cornea feel better?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Hopefully, you have already seen an ophthalmologist, if you have a corneal abrasion. If not, you should. If the abrasion is large enough, a bandage contact lens can be placed. This helps protect the surface and decrease pain, while the abrasion heals. For smaller abrasions, artificial tears and a topical NSAID are usually sufficient, as it will heal relatively quickly.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Cornea scratched

A member asked:

How to get help for a cornea scratch?

A member asked:

How can you tell if your cornea is scratched?

A member asked:

Why do i keep getting scratched corneas every once in a while, am i just accident prone?

A member asked:

What are the signs of a scratched cornea?

A member asked:

What does a scratched cornea look like?

A member asked:

How do i determine if i have a scratched cornea?

A member asked:

How should i make my scratched cornea feel better?

A member asked:

How long does it take for scratched cornea to heal?

A member asked:

I think i have a scratched cornea and i need advice?

A member asked:

Are there ways to make my scratched cornea feel better?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?