Understanding a Corneal Abrasion

A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the cornea, the clear surface covering the coloured part of your eye. Although it may be small, it can be very painful and may cause watering, sensitivity to light and blurred vision. With the right treatment, most corneal abrasions heal quickly without causing long-term problems.

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What Treatment Will I Need?

Treatment aims to help the scratch heal quickly and reduce the risk of infection.

Depending on the severity of your injury, treatment may include:

• Antibiotic eye ointment.
• Eye drops to temporarily dilate the pupil.
• A firm eye pad to protect the eye while it heals.

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Caring for Your Eye

If you have been given an eye pad:

• Keep the affected eye closed while wearing it.
• Avoid driving or operating machinery, as your vision and depth perception may be affected.
• Follow the treatment instructions provided by your healthcare professional.

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How Long Does It Take to Heal?

Most corneal abrasions heal quickly.

If treatment is followed correctly:

• Healing usually takes 24 to 36 hours.
• Pain and discomfort should gradually improve as the cornea heals.

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When to Seek Further Advice

Return to your Minor Injury Unit or contact your GP if:

• Your eye remains painful after treatment.
• Your symptoms return after initially improving.
• You experience ongoing discomfort or problems with your vision.

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Recurrent Corneal Abrasions

A small number of people experience recurrent corneal abrasions.

This may cause:

• Pain when waking up.
• A feeling that the eye has been scratched again.

In many cases the discomfort settles quickly, but if pain persists you should return for further assessment and treatment.

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Need More Help?

If your symptoms worsen or you are concerned about your recovery, contact your GP, Minor Injury Unit or NHS 111 for advice. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 999.