Eye Health Center

Corneal Abrasion

Corneal Aabrasion Treatment

Antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be recommended to prevent an infection in cases of corneal abrasion. Medicated eye drops to ease pain and inflammation may also be used. 

Sometimes, doctors temporarily patch the scratched eye. Pain medication may also be given.

A minor scratch should heal on its own in one to three days. More severe abrasions may take longer to heal.

Here are some tips to help you while your eye heals:

• Do not wear contacts until your eye has completely healed and your eye doctor says it is safe to do so.
• Wear sunglasses to help ease pain caused by the glare of the sun.
• Do not rub your eye.

Most people fully recover from minor corneal abrasions, with no permanent eye damage. However, deeper scratches can cause corneal infections, cornea erosion, or scarring of the cornea. If not treated properly, these complications can result in long-term vision problems. Any unusual symptoms, including a recurrence of pain following healing, should be reported to your eye doctor.