How is an Eye Abrasion Treated?
A scratch, also known as an eye abrasion, on the surface of the eye can be a painful and concerning injury. Not only does it cause discomfort, but it can also increase the risk of infection and inflammation. Treating a scratch on the eye, particularly on the cornea, involves various steps aimed at relieving pain, promoting healing, and preventing infection. In this blog, we will discuss the typical treatment approach for eye scratches.
Initial Assessment and Pain Relief
When you visit a healthcare professional for a scratch on the eye, the first step is an initial assessment to evaluate the severity and extent of the injury. This assessment may involve an examination of the eye using a slit lamp or a magnifying device to examine the cornea in detail. In order to alleviate the pain, an anesthetic eye drop may be administered to numb the eye temporarily.
Bandage Contact Lens Placement
To protect the eye and promote healing, a bandage contact lens may be placed over the scratch. This specialized contact lens acts as a barrier between the cornea and the outside environment, reducing friction, preventing further damage, and allowing the cornea to heal more efficiently. The bandage contact lens also helps to improve comfort and reduce pain during the healing process.
Prescription for Antibiotic Medication
In order to prevent infection or manage an existing infection, a healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. These medications help to eliminate or inhibit the growth of bacteria that could potentially enter the damaged cornea and lead to infection. Following the prescribed dosage and applying the medication as directed is crucial to ensure effective treatment and prevent complications.
Follow-up Visits for Monitoring and Healing of Eye Abrasion
After the initial treatment, it is important to have regular follow-up visits with your healthcare professional. During these visits, they will monitor the progress of the healing process and evaluate the overall condition of the eye. The frequency of these visits can vary based on the severity of the scratch, the size and location of the injury, and individual factors. These follow-up visits are crucial to ensure proper healing and identify any potential complications that may arise.
Individualized Treatment Approach
It is important to note that the treatment for a scratch on the eye may vary depending on several factors. The cause of the scratch, the size and location of the injury, and any underlying conditions or factors unique to the individual can influence the treatment approach. The healthcare professional will assess these factors and tailor the treatment plan specifically to the patient’s needs for optimal recovery.
If the scratch was caused by something known to have bacteria or other debris – a tree branch, a dog claw, or a fingernail for example – then a bandage contact lens may be avoided due to the risk of incubating an infectious organism in the wound.
If there has been a history of recurrent erosions or scratches, then treatment may be prolonged to allow the cornea to fully heal and prevent additional issues.
Our eye doctors at GHEye excel in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrists at (571) 445-3692 to schedule your appointment today to be evaluated for eye abrasion. Our eye doctors, Dr. Ally Stoeger and Dr. Jennifer Sun provide the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in the Gainesville VA and Haymarket VA areas.
A scratch, also known as an eye abrasion, on the surface of the eye can be a painful and concerning injury. Not only does it cause discomfort, but it can also increase the risk of infection and inflammation. Treating a scratch on the eye, particularly on the cornea, involves various steps aimed at relieving pain, promoting healing, and preventing infection. In this blog, we will discuss the typical treatment approach for eye scratches.
Initial Assessment and Pain Relief
When you visit a healthcare professional for a scratch on the eye, the first step is an initial assessment to evaluate the severity and extent of the injury. This assessment may involve an examination of the eye using a slit lamp or a magnifying device to examine the cornea in detail. In order to alleviate the pain, an anesthetic eye drop may be administered to numb the eye temporarily.
Bandage Contact Lens Placement
To protect the eye and promote healing, a bandage contact lens may be placed over the scratch. This specialized contact lens acts as a barrier between the cornea and the outside environment, reducing friction, preventing further damage, and allowing the cornea to heal more efficiently. The bandage contact lens also helps to improve comfort and reduce pain during the healing process.
Prescription for Antibiotic Medication
In order to prevent infection or manage an existing infection, a healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. These medications help to eliminate or inhibit the growth of bacteria that could potentially enter the damaged cornea and lead to infection. Following the prescribed dosage and applying the medication as directed is crucial to ensure effective treatment and prevent complications.
Follow-up Visits for Monitoring and Healing of Eye Abrasion
After the initial treatment, it is important to have regular follow-up visits with your healthcare professional. During these visits, they will monitor the progress of the healing process and evaluate the overall condition of the eye. The frequency of these visits can vary based on the severity of the scratch, the size and location of the injury, and individual factors. These follow-up visits are crucial to ensure proper healing and identify any potential complications that may arise.
Individualized Treatment Approach
It is important to note that the treatment for a scratch on the eye may vary depending on several factors. The cause of the scratch, the size and location of the injury, and any underlying conditions or factors unique to the individual can influence the treatment approach. The healthcare professional will assess these factors and tailor the treatment plan specifically to the patient’s needs for optimal recovery.
If the scratch was caused by something known to have bacteria or other debris – a tree branch, a dog claw, or a fingernail for example – then a bandage contact lens may be avoided due to the risk of incubating an infectious organism in the wound.
If there has been a history of recurrent erosions or scratches, then treatment may be prolonged to allow the cornea to fully heal and prevent additional issues.