Corneal abrasion is a scratch of the cornea. This structure is a protective layer that covers the iris and pupil. The cornea plays an important role in vision and partially filters harmful ultraviolet rays. When you scratch, you experience pain and heaviness in the eye, as well as general discomfort. You can treat an abrasion without medication or see a doctor for relief.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Heal the Cornea Without Medicines
Step 1. Apply an ice pack to the injured eye
A cold compress gives great pain relief because it constricts blood vessels making your eye feel less inflamed. It also treats pain because it numbs the nerve stimulations of the eye.
- Do not place ice directly on the eye, as it can damage both the eye and the skin. Instead, apply a washcloth or use a cold pack to relieve pain.
- Keep the compress against the eye for 15-20 minutes without pressing too hard.
Step 2. Lay down some frozen cucumber slices
This is an excellent remedy because they give relief just like an ice pack by reducing the sensitivity of the nerves. At the same time cucumber is rich in phytochemicals with antioxidant effects that prevent the eye from becoming infected.
Lie down and place the cucumber slices on the injured eye. You can also secure the cucumber slice with medical tape
Step 3. Don't wear sunglasses
While it may seem like a good idea to protect your eye, you shouldn't wear dark glasses while your eye is healing. The sun helps reduce bacterial proliferation thus protecting you from infections.
Sunlight has a phototoxic effect on some bacteria, which means it generates oxygen (toxic to germs) inside their cells
Step 4. Do not wear contact lenses in the two days following the injury (at least)
If you usually wear contact lenses, use your glasses for this period of time. Contact lenses stress the already compromised cornea.
If, for some reason, you have to wear LACs, it is imperative to keep them hygienically flawless to reduce the chances of infection
Step 5. Try not to put a patch on the eye
Eye swabs (or patches) raise the temperature of the eye, thus creating an opposite effect to the ice pack. The increased heat makes the pain and redness worse because it dilates the blood vessels.
Corneal transplantation is an exception. If you have had this type of surgery, you must wear the patch
Step 6. Don't rub your eyes
When the cornea is injured, an itchy sensation is generated but you have to resist the urge to scratch. Friction worsens corneal damage.
Instead of scratching, run cold water over your eye for a few seconds. This simple operation will give you relief from itching
Step 7. Eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest
When you give your body time to rest, it can focus all of its energy on the healing process of the eye. Get enough sleep to accelerate recovery, get plenty of nutrients, vitamins and minerals through your diet.
Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables while the eye is healing to speed up the process
Method 2 of 2: Heal the Cornea with Medicines
Step 1. Use an ophthalmic decongestant to reduce redness
These drugs are available without a prescription and reduce the redness of the injured eye. They activate vascular receptors and trigger a contraction of blood vessels. Remember this is temporary relief. There are many types of ophthalmic decongestants on the market:
- Naphazoline ophthalmic solution: instill one or two drops into the diseased eye every six hours. Do not use it for 48 consecutive hours. Some trade names: Alpha eye drops, Imidazyl and Iridina two.
- Tetrizoline ophthalmic solution: eye drops such as Demetil, Octilia and Stilla contain this active ingredient. Instill 1-2 drops every six hours, do not use it for more than 48 consecutive hours.
- It is understood that you are not wearing contact lenses before instilling these drugs. Do not mix the eye drops and avoid touching the tip of the dispenser to avoid contamination.
Step 2. Use hypertonic saline to reduce swelling and pain
It is a product (available without a prescription) that is sold in the form of an ophthalmic solution or ointment and is a valid alternative to decongestants. It is able to relieve pain and absorb excess fluid in the eye due to its high salt concentration:
- Adsorbonac 5% ophthalmic solution: instill one or two drops in the injured eye every 4 hours not to exceed 72 hours of continuous use.
- As an ophthalmic ointment: pull down the lower eyelid and apply a small amount of the ointment inside it. Do this once a day or as directed by your eye doctor.
Step 3. Try an eye lubricant if you have an ulcer
This product is used very often for corneal ulcerations caused by poor lacrimation:
Some eye lubricants are: Ocuyal Gel, Systane Gel Drops and many others
Step 4. Get a prescription for an antibiotic to fight the infection
Sometimes bacterial infections develop following the wound, both due to contamination at the time of the injury, and later due to careless management of the abrasion. Your ophthalmologist may prescribe you:
- Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment that is applied 4 times a day for 3-5 days.
- Sulfacetamide ophthalmic ointment, dosage: 4 times a day for 3-5 days.
- Polymyxin-trimethoprim eye drops: instill 1-2 drops a day in the diseased eye 4 times a day, for 3-5 days.
- Ciprofloxacin eye drops: 1-2 drops 4 times a day, for 3-5 days.
- Ofloxacin eye drops: 1-2 drops 4 times a day, for 3-5 days.
- Levofloxacin eye drops: 1-2 drops every 2 hours during waking hours for the first two days, then every 6 hours for 5 days thereafter. This antibiotic is particularly suitable for people with ACL.
Step 5. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and prepare for surgery
These topical medications help you cope with pain but are also used as a pre-surgical dressing during corneal transplants. Your eye doctor may prescribe you:
- Ketorolac eye drops: instill one drop 4 times a day for a week.
- Diclofenac eye drops: instill one drop 4 times a day for a week. Commercial name: Voltaren Ofta.
Step 6. Undergo surgery if your cornea is badly damaged
If the injury is very serious and the cornea cannot be repaired, consider getting a cornea transplant from a donor. You need to consider surgery if:
- You have a permanent corneal scar caused by the injury that greatly interferes with your vision and your daily activities.
- There is irreversible damage to the structure of the cornea (other than scarring).
- As a backup plan for treating serious conditions when all other treatments have failed.
Advice
-
Symptoms of a corneal abrasion are:
- Sensation of foreign body or friction between eyelid and cornea.
- Pain in eye movements.
- Signs of inflammation such as redness and swelling.
- Abundant tearing.
- Extreme sensitivity to light.
- Blurred vision.
