Small corneal abrasions that can't be seen with the naked eye are easily seen with fluorescent dye, which “lights” up the abrasions. This large corneal abrasion can be seen with the naked eye, but fluorescent dye shows the full extent of involvement. This classic abrasion demonstrates the typical ragged edge of a corneal abrasion.
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Corneal Abrasion:
Information for adults

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Picture of Corneal Abrasion: Small corneal abrasions that can't be seen with the naked eye are easily seen with fluorescent dye, which “lights” up the abrasions. Divider line
Small corneal abrasions that can't be seen with the naked eye are easily seen with fluorescent dye, which “lights” up the abrasions.
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Self-Care Guidelines
Most simple corneal abrasions will heal on their own within a day or two at most. Other things that help include:
  • Keeping the eye shut.
  • Never rubbing the injured eye.
  • Immediately removing a contact lens. Contact lens wearers should always have a back-up pair of glasses for when contact lenses shouldn't be worn.
  • Using artificial tears to bathe the eye.
  • Using clean water to rinse the eye and wash out suspect foreign matter.
  • Using sunglasses to reduce light sensitivity. 
There are precautions that you can take to prevent getting a corneal abrasion. These include:
  • Wearing protective eyewear for all conditions that might result in a corneal abrasion, such as working around the garden, working on grinding machines, etc.
  • Being extra careful when using makeup brushes and curling irons.
  • Taking excellent care of and using excellent hygiene with contact lenses.
  • Never sleeping in contact lenses, regardless of manufacture notes.
Note:
If the corneal abrasion heals and then suddenly recurs days later, this may be a sign of recurrent erosion, which requires specific medical care by an eye care professional. Use of topical anesthetic solutions is only for purposes of diagnosis. Using these drops more than once or twice is dangerous because it slows healing and could lead to more serious conditions.
When to Seek Medical Care
  • Persistent pain beyond the first day or pain that is increasing despite self-care.
  • You suspect that a piece of metal, wood, or plant material hit the eye with high speed and may have penetrated the eye, not just irritated it.
  • Any abrasion caused by chemicals, heat burn, makeup brushes, or plant materials.
  • You suspect that a foreign object really is stuck in your eye.
  • Recurrence of the pain and other symptoms days after the initial injury.
  • Mucoid or pus-like discharge.
  • No improvement with self-care after 24 hours.
  • Progressive vision loss.
Last Modified: 15 Feb 2008

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