Did you know that a scratched eye is one of the most common eye injuries? A healthy cornea is essential for optimal vision, so if you accidentally scratch your eye, it is important that you see your eye doctor as soon as possible. Put your eye care first and learn more about scratched corneas!
Eye Care Tips for Scratched Eyes
What causes a scratched cornea? A scratched cornea can be caused by anything from paper to makeup brushes, and these can inflict significant pain to your eye. You may be more at risk for getting a scratched cornea if you suffer from dry eye, especially when you awaken from sleep.
Do contact lenses protect the eye from corneal abrasions? No, unfortunately, contact lenses do not protect your eyes from scratches. In fact, if you wear your contacts too long, or if you wear a damaged pair of contacts, you may have an increased risk of scratching your eye.
What are the symptoms of a scratched cornea? A corneal abrasion can be very painful and can feel as if you have a rough object in your eye. Other symptoms include redness, tearing, light sensitivity, and headaches. Schedule an appointment with your eye care professional if you think you scratched your eye.
How is a scratched cornea treated? Treatment depends on the severity of each case, but minor scratches can be treated with drops to moisten the eye, which will make it feel more comfortable as it heals. More severe cases may require antibiotic ointment that will decrease scarring and inflammation. While you have a corneal abrasion, you should make sure to wear eyeglasses instead of contacts so that your eye has a chance to heal.
Keep your eyes healthy and safe by making sure that your eyes are properly hydrated. To learn more about corneal abrasions, or to schedule an appointment with one of our eye care specialists at Valley Eyecare Center, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.
