Template only — not medical advice. Always review with a licensed healthcare professional before distributing.
Want to customize this handout for your clinic?
Sign in free to edit, add your clinic branding, and save your own version.
Corneal Abrasion Treatment Guide: Your Recovery and Healing Plan Steps
Summary
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the eye. This guide will help you understand what it is and how to care for it. Most abrasions heal within 24-48 hours with proper treatment. Follow the steps below to ensure a smooth recovery and know when to seek further medical attention.
What Is This & Why It Matters
A corneal abrasion is a small scratch or injury on the clear front surface of your eye, known as the cornea. This can happen if something like a fingernail or contact lens brushes against your eye. While it's uncomfortable, it's usually not serious and heals quickly with care. Treating a corneal abrasion helps prevent infection and ensures your eye heals properly. Understanding your symptoms and following treatment steps will help you manage this condition effectively.
What You Should Do
- Apply antibiotic ointment as prescribed by your doctor to prevent infection.
- Use healing eye drops to soothe irritation and speed up recovery.
- Rest your eyes by avoiding activities that require intense focus or staring at screens.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from bright light, which may cause discomfort.
- Follow up with your eye doctor the day after initial treatment for assessment.
- Keep your eyes closed as much as possible to promote healing.
- Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition to support overall recovery.
What You Should NOT Do
- Do not rub or touch your eyes, as this can worsen the abrasion.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses until your doctor gives you the go-ahead.
- Refrain from using non-prescribed eye drops, which may irritate your eyes further.
- Do not skip follow-up appointments with your eye doctor.
- Avoid exposing your eyes to dust or smoke, which can irritate them.
- Steer clear of swimming pools or hot tubs until fully healed.
Symptoms: Normal vs Warning Signs
Normal (Don't Worry)
- Mild pain that lessens over a day or two.
- Tearing or watering of the eyes as they heal.
- Sensation of having something in your eye that fades over time.
- Sensitivity to light that improves gradually.
Call Your Doctor If...
- Severe pain that doesn't improve after 24 hours.
- Vision changes, such as blurred vision or loss of sight.
- Redness that spreads across the white part of the eye.
- Discharge from the eye that is yellow or green in color.
- No improvement in symptoms after following prescribed treatments.
FAQ
How long does it take for a corneal abrasion to heal?
Most corneal abrasions heal within 24-48 hours with proper care.
Can I wear makeup while recovering from a corneal abrasion?
It's best to avoid wearing eye makeup until your eye fully heals.
Is it normal for my vision to be blurry?
Temporary blurry vision can occur but should improve as healing progresses.
Can I drive while recovering from a corneal abrasion?
Avoid driving if your vision is impaired or if you experience discomfort.
Should I continue working while my eye heals?
Resting is important, so discuss activity levels with your doctor based on symptoms.
What should I do if I accidentally rub my eye?
Try to gently rinse it with clean water and contact your doctor if irritation increases.