A scratched cornea, indeed, is a painful condition to endure. Nevertheless, the abraded cornea is healable, when your eye is meted with ample care, attention, and patience.
Eyes are one of the most sensitive organs; hence, sedulous care must be administered. Failing to do so might result in various eye problems; one of them being, a scratched cornea. The cornea sustaining a scratch — in medical nomenclature — is referred to as corneal abrasion. This condition is extremely painful for which appropriate treatment must be meted without much adieu. Lenses – either fractured, or clumsily worn – could be major causes of a scratched cornea. Wearing lenses that are contaminated, or wearing them for prolonged periods are proven factors in not only leading to a scratched cornea, but also serving as the requisite to eye infections. Dust particles, or any foreign object entering the domain, may cause the eye to endure a scratched cornea. Sometimes we — though subconsciously — end up rubbing, or scratching the eye with force, or ample pressure. If you have been scratching your eye vehemently; your eye, eventually, becomes sore. This is an indicant that you have managed to rub it the wrong way.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The most commonly observed symptom is developing watery eyes. Another symptom, inadvertently linked to getting excessively teary-eyed is an uncanny sensation experienced; it is as though someone has doled a fistful of sand particles into your eye. Blinking is next to impossible for the sufferer. The eye swells, and becomes sensitive to touch, with truncated episodes of tearing, and emitting a pus-like substance. Sensitivity to light is also experienced; you may be overwhelmed by the light your eye is exposed to. A space, usually deemed well-lit, may seem too bright, and daunting to the eye. Vision impairment — partial or complete — may be borne by the individual as well. A cloudy sheet may form over the corneal sheath, forbidding normal vision. Your head might ache, beginning with simmering tics that, most often, progress toward a stinging throb.
Symptomatic Treatment
☛ An important thing to do is to wash your eyes thoroughly with water. You can rinse your eyes with sterile saline solution, or an eye wash. This is the easiest, and the simplest panacea to treat an eye infection. The cornea will be cured with the help of this remedy as it assists in removing the foreign particles present in your eyes; thereby, aiding the infection to subside.
☛ Another home remedy is to use eye lubricants or artificial tears. This will soothe the pain and numb the throbs.
☛ Rest is very important for a scratched cornea to heal. Avoid reading, watching television, or working on the computer. As far as possible, try to keep your eyes closed. An exposure to light is not a favorable proposition for a scratched cornea.
☛ Cold compress provides abundant relief to chafed eyes. Use this treatment only if the pain, or swelling is intense.
☛ While going out in the sun, wear sunglasses. A protective eye-gear would serve to be a cautionary sheath that prevents the scorching heat, and pollution to precipitate and affect the eye. Make sure that you wear dark glasses with ultraviolet light protection. These dark glasses will help reduce chafing of the eye while you go sightseeing, or indulge in any activity; thereby, not forcing you to strain your eyes.
☛ If the eye endures a superficial scratch, it may heal all by itself; however, if the cornea is perforated, application of ointments, or administering anti-inflammatory drugs could be a lucid options.
☛ If you wear contact lenses, you ought to avoid wearing them, till the scratched cornea has healed completely.
☛ In order to avoid infections, you may use antibacterial drugs, or salve. These drugs, besides healing your eyes, will desensitize the area, so that there is no pain experienced.
☛ You may opt for medications that help the pupils to dilate.
☛ If the swelling is intense, steroidal drops may be prescribed by a ophthalmologist. Remember: You may use these drops only if, and when recommended by the concerned practitioner.
Know when to ✆ the Doctor. Home remedies may prove very helpful; nevertheless, it is advisable to visit an ophthalmologist in order to avoid worsening the situation. Call your ophthalmologist within 24 hours to avoid further complications. If treatment is correctly administered, a scratched cornea may heal within a span of 2 to 4 days. Thus, the right treatment at the right time, and rudimentary eye care is a must.
Disclaimer: The write-up published herewith, is meant for pedagogical purposes. It is, by no means, an attempt to supplant your doctor’s advice. This article describes the treatment options for a scratched cornea to the best of its ability; however, prescribing is done best at the Doctor’s desk.
