Corneal Abrasion Treatment

About Corneal Abrasion Treatment

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or superficial injury to the clear, protective outer layer of the cornea, commonly caused by a foreign object such as dust, sand, or a fingernail, contact lens misuse, or minor trauma to the eye, and typically causes pain, redness, light sensitivity, tearing, and a sensation of something being in the eye. Diagnosis usually involves examining the eye with a slit lamp after applying a fluorescein dye, which highlights the damaged area of the corneal surface under blue light, allowing the extent of the injury to be assessed and any embedded foreign material to be identified and removed. Treatment typically focuses on preventing infection and supporting natural healing, which for most minor abrasions occurs within one to three days, using antibiotic eye drops or ointment, lubricating drops to ease discomfort, and sometimes a short course of pain relief; contact lens wear is generally paused until the eye has fully healed. Larger or deeper abrasions, or those that do not heal as expected, may require closer follow-up to rule out infection or complications. Eye clinics in India are well equipped to assess and manage corneal abrasions promptly, which is important for reducing the risk of complications such as infection.