• Corneal Abrasions

    Illustration of a corneal abrasion

Corneal Abrasions

Treatment for Corneal Abrasions from Our Plano Ophthalmologist

It’s not uncommon to get some irritating objects in your eye from time to time and in most cases, these irritants are washed out without causing problems. But if you’re experiencing pain, itching, light sensitivity, or even blurring of vision, you might be suffering from a corneal abrasion. Corneal abrasions and scarring can lead to serious complications if they don’t receive the proper care right from the beginning. Fortunately, you can receive this care from our ophthalmologist, serving both Plano and surrounding areas, at Texas Eye Surgeons.

Why Corneal Abrasions Occur and What They Can Do to Your Vision

The cornea is the clear spherical “window” that allows light to enter your eye while keeping foreign substances and objects out. This organ consists of multiple layers of tissue, some thinner and more delicate than others. It doesn’t make much to cause a superficial abrasion along with the outermost layer or epithelium. A grain of dust, a finger poke, or some windblown plant matter lodged beneath your eyelid can all damage the corneal surface. Symptoms typically include sensitivity, itching, and pain. Your natural instinct is to rub the affected eye, which only increases the damage done.

The cornea can usually repair occasional or mild corneal abrasions with 24 to 48 hours, especially if you’re careful not to rub your eye. Deeper or multiple scratches, however, can result in the accumulation of enough scar tissue to impair your vision. The abrasions may also raise the risk of developing a serious eye infection. That’s why you need to see our ophthalmologist if your symptoms haven’t resolved themselves with a couple of days.

Cornea Surgery and Other Care from Our Eye Doctor

Our eye surgeon, Dr. Ali, can examine your cornea in great detail to check for scratches, note the depth of an abrasion, identify the probable cause, and look for signs of complications such as infection. We also check your visual acuity to see whether any corneal scarring is affecting your eyesight. If the cause of your corneal abrasion is still on your eye or beneath your eyelid, our eye doctor can often lift it out manually or flush it out with water. Treatment can range from topical medication to corneal surgery. Options include:

  • Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
  • Non-steroidal drugs that reduce pain and inflammation
  • A special contact lens called a bandage lens, which protects a more severe corneal abrasion as it heals
  • In the worst cases, our eye surgeon may recommend transplantation. This cornea surgery can restore vision lost to corneal abrasions.

Corneal Problem? Call Texas Eye Surgeons

Our eye surgeon can solve your corneal problems. Serving Plano and surrounding DFW areas. Call (972) 379-3937 for an appointment!

Eye Conditions

Corneal Abrasions FAQs

Corneal abrasions, are scratches that occur on the cornea of your eye. They can be caused by your fingernail as you rub your eyes or a makeup brush or even tree limbs that accidentally swipe too close to your eyes. Corneal scratches can cause pain and discomfort and impair your vision. These FAQs from Texas Eye Surgeons in Plano and surrounding areas can explain more about corneal abrasions and how to treat them.

If your eye becomes red, watery and painful for no apparent reason, you may have scratched the cornea of your eye. Corneal abrasions can cause blurred vision and sensitivity to light. After an examination, your ophthalmologist can diagnose this condition.

The cornea of your eye contains numerous nerve cells, some of which are pain receptors that inform you, through pain, that something is wrong with your eye. This pain will prompt you to get an eye checkup to verify your condition.

Your eye surgeon will perform a thorough eye exam to determine the cause and severity of your condition. For minor abrasions, we may recommend moisturizing drops to alleviate discomfort until your eye heals. For more serious abrasions, we may prescribe antibiotic drops to prevent infection and recommend that you wear an eye patch to protect your eye from further injury. Small abrasions usually heal within a day or two. Larger abrasions may take up to a week.

Most corneal scratches heal within a few days without causing permanent damage to your eye or vision. If your pain persists, however, contact your ophthalmologist to re-evaluate your condition.

Chances are you’ll find your abrasion too painful to ignore and will want to have an eye doctor to diagnose your condition. You may not know you have a scratch on your eye until you get an exam.

If you are from the Plano or Greenville area and need an ophthalmologist to diagnose and treat corneal abrasions, please call Texas Eye Surgeons at (972) 379-3937 today.

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