Scratched Eye? Know When to Seek Care

A scratched eye can be painful, but is it serious? While minor scratches often heal on their own, deeper injuries can lead to infections or vision problems. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, redness, or changes in vision, it’s time to see an eye doctor. Don’t ignore the signs early treatment can prevent complications and keep your eyes healthy. At ReFocus Eye Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, our experienced team provides advanced, personalized care for eye emergencies. Using state-of-the-art technology, we ensure that urgent eye conditions are treated quickly and effectively while keeping your comfort a top priority.

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Scratched Eye? Here’s What You Need to Know

Why is a Scratched Eye so Painful?

As a first line of defense the cornea is composed of thousands of nerve endings per square millimeter. This allows for it to quickly react to the smallest irritants as well as enable it to self heal. It is also the reason that it is extremely sensitive and even a small scratch can be far more painful than other parts of the body. The good news is that the corneas strength and self healing abilities means that a scratch is generally considered a minor eye emergency.

Despite the fact that it is generally a minor eye emergency, it is always a good idea to get any injury to the eye seen by an eye doctor. An untreated corneal abrasion can lead to infections or other complications, making it a good idea to seek prompt treatment from an eye doctor.

What are the symptoms of a scratch in the eye?

Blurry vision: Your vision could become cloudy or blurry.
Light sensitivity: Bright lights might make your eye feel uncomfortable.
Foreign body sensation: The feeling like something is stuck in the eye
A gritty sensation: You may feel like there’s something gritty in your eye.
Persistent redness or tearing
Eye pain
Headaches

Signs Your Scratched Eye Needs Urgent Care

Persistent Eye Pain

Mild discomfort is common with minor scratches, but if the pain persists or worsens over time, this could be a sign that the scratch is deeper or infected. Severe pain may suggest more significant corneal damage, especially if accompanied by throbbing or a sharp, stabbing sensation. Pain that does not subside with over-the-counter pain relievers or after flushing the eye with water should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Blurred Vision or Vision Changes

Any change in your vision, such as blurriness, difficulty focusing, or double vision, should be taken seriously. The National Eye Institute warns that vision changes following an eye injury may indicate that the scratch has affected the deeper layers of the cornea, which can impair your vision permanently if left untreated. In some cases, blurred vision could also point to swelling or an infection in the eye, both of which require prompt medical intervention.

Increased Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)

The American Academy of Optometry notes that light sensitivity is common in deeper corneal abrasions. However if your eye becomes extremely sensitive to light after a scratch, this is a red flag that the injury may be more severe. Photophobia can be a sign that the cornea has been damaged significantly or that an infection is present. and it may worsen over time if the condition is not addressed.

Redness and Swelling That Does Not Improve

Minor scratches may cause some redness, but if the redness and swelling persist or worsen over several hours or days, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Persistent redness could suggest deeper corneal involvement or inflammation, which, if untreated, may lead to scarring and long-term vision problems.

Feeling of a Foreign Object in the Eye

A common symptom of corneal abrasion is the sensation of having something stuck in the eye. If this sensation persists even after rinsing the eye, it could indicate that the corneal damage is more extensive. According to the Ocular Surface Society of Optometry (OSSO), this symptom may suggest that the scratch has penetrated multiple layers of the cornea, requiring immediate evaluation.

Other symptoms that should be seen immediately include:

Bleeding
You suspect that it is a deeper cut
Foreign object lodged in the eye that you can’t remove
Discharge from the eye

Act Fast: Preventing Serious Issues from a Scratched Eye

Corneal Infections

If a scratched eye becomes infected, it can lead to a condition known as infectious keratitis, which, according to the National Eye Institute, may result in permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Corneal Ulcers

Untreated infections or deep abrasions can develop into corneal ulcers. These open sores on the cornea can cause significant pain and may result in scarring, leading to vision impairment or blindness.

Long-Term Vision Problems

According to research from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), deep or untreated corneal abrasions can lead to long-term problems such as blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and even permanent damage to the cornea, impacting overall eye health and vision quality.

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it is critical to seek immediate medical attention from an eye care professional. Call us to schedule an emergency eye exam or visit urgent care.

Healing a Scratched Eye: Treatment Options That Work

Eye Patching

A patch or bandage may be placed over the injured eye to prevent blinking, thereby reducing pain and allowing the corneal epithelium to heal.

Moisturizing Eye Drops

Prescribed eye drops or ointments can help soothe the eye and add a protective layer over the cornea, reducing discomfort.

Antibiotic Drops

To prevent infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment, especially if the abrasion is caused by a foreign material or if contact lenses were involved.

Cycloplegic Eye Drops

These special drops can help relieve pain by temporarily dilating the pupil and reducing light sensitivity.

Bandage Contact Lenses

In some cases, a bandage contact lens may be utilized to provide comfort and encourage faster healing.

From Scratch to Smooth: How Long Until Your Eye Recovers?

With the right care, most minor corneal abrasions heal within 1 to 3 days after using antibiotic eye drops. However, deeper scratches may take longer and might need additional treatment. In some cases, your doctor may recommend protective eye drops or a special contact lens to help with healing and pain relief.

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Protect Your Vision: How to Avoid a Scratched Eye

Wear protective eyewear: It is important to always wear appropriate protective eyewear especially when working with tools, chemicals, or during sports.
Handle contact lenses properly: Ensure your hands are clean before touching your lenses and never wear them longer than recommended.
Be cautious with makeup: Avoid using old or contaminated makeup, and take care when applying it around your eyes.

Scratched Eye vs. Foreign Object in the Eye

It's important to distinguish between a scratched eye and a foreign object stuck in the eye. While both can cause irritation and discomfort, a foreign object may require different treatment. If you believe something is stuck in your eye that you cannot remove with simple flushing, seek professional care immediately. Attempting to remove it yourself could worsen the damage or lead to infection.

How is a Scratched Eye Diagnosed? What tests are done for a scratched eye?

Your eye doctor will typically use special eye drops that temporarily numb your eye and a fluorescein dye to highlight the scratch under a blue light. This allows them to examine the surface of your eye closely to determine the size and depth of the abrasion. Once diagnosed, they will recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

When Can You Return to Normal Activities?

If your scratch is minor, you may be able to return to normal activities like driving, working, or using screens within a few days. However, avoid swimming or using hot tubs, as water can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection. If you wear contact lenses, wait until your doctor gives you the green light to start wearing them again.

Eye Scratches and Discomfort: What Causes the Pain?

The cornea is one of the most sensitive tissues in the human body, containing an exceptionally high density of nerve fibers—about 500 times more than the skin. These nerves serve a protective function, alerting us to potential injury. When a corneal abrasion occurs, the exposed nerve endings become activated, leading to intense sensations of pain and discomfort. This is the human body’s natural response, as pain signals help prevent further injury by encouraging protective behaviors, such as blinking or avoiding rubbing the eye.

Trusted Eye Care for Scratched Eyes in Philadelphia– Expert Treatment When You Need It

At ReFocus Eye Health in Philadelphia, we know how painful and frustrating a scratched eye can be. Even minor corneal abrasions can cause discomfort, light sensitivity, and blurred vision, and if left untreated, they may lead to infections or long-term complications. That’s why our highly rated team proudly serving patients from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is committed to providing expert, same-day care when you need it most. With over 1,600 glowing reviews and a 4.4-star average, our patients trust us for exceptional treatment and compassionate service. If you're experiencing persistent pain, redness, or vision changes, schedule an appointment today and let our specialists help protect your sight.

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