A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the eye. These scratches cause pain, blurry vision, and tearing. Though not always a serious medical issue, a corneal abrasion may lead to an eye infection. The highly skilled team of optometrists at Eye Q Optique in Buffalo Grove and the Tri-Taylor and Near West Side neighborhoods of Chicago, Illinois, provide comprehensive care for corneal abrasions. To get help for your eye injury, call the office nearest you or book an appointment online today.

What is a corneal abrasion?

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or injury to the clear area at the center of your eye, your cornea. The cornea is the part of your eye that helps you see.

Fingernails, contacts, or foreign objects can cause this type of injury. You can also develop a corneal abrasion if you have an itchy eye condition like allergies, dry eye, or blepharitis that causes you to constantly rub your eyes.

What are the symptoms of a corneal abrasion?

A corneal abrasion is painful. Your cornea is home to hundreds of pain receptors. When you have an injury to this part of your eye, these pain receptors go into overdrive, sending the pain signals to your brain, letting you know you have an injury.

In addition to severe eye pain, other symptoms of a corneal abrasion include:

• Blurry vision
• Red, itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light

It may also feel like you have something stuck in your eye when you have a corneal abrasion.

When should I seek professional help for a corneal abrasion?

A small corneal abrasion can heal on its own within a few days. However, no matter the severity of your injury, you should seek professional help for your corneal abrasion to get fast relief from your pain and reduce the risk of complications.

The team at Eye Q Optique conducts a thorough eye exam when you come in with concerns about eye pain. They examine your eye and place a special dye in your eye that highlights the injury. 

They use a tool called a slit lamp — a microscope with a bright light — to closely examine your cornea and determine the location and severity of your scratch.

What treatments can help a corneal abrasion?

The Eye Q Optique team customizes your corneal abrasion treatment plan based on the findings from your eye exam. The team may recommend:

• Wearing an eye patch
• Using pain-reducing eye drops
• Using moisturizing eye drops
• Antibiotics to clear up an infection

The team may also give you special contacts that reduce the pain. If you have a small corneal abrasion, the injury should heal within 1-2 days. For larger injuries, healing may take up to a week. 

To get help with a corneal abrasion, call Eye Q Optique or schedule an appointment online today.