A corneal abrasion is a common but uncomfortable eye injury involving a scratch on the clear, protective surface of your eye known as the cornea. This injury can happen quickly and may feel more serious than it looks—but it should never be ignored.

What Is a Corneal Abrasion?

The cornea is the transparent "window" at the front of the eye, essential for focusing light. A corneal abrasion occurs when the surface layer is scraped or scratched, often by:

  • Dust, sand, or dirt

  • Metal or wood particles

  • Fingernails

  • Contact lenses

  • Paper edges or plant matter

Even a tiny foreign object can cause significant discomfort and risk of infection.

Symptoms of a Corneal Abrasion

You may notice symptoms right away, or they may worsen over time. Common signs include:

  • Pain or discomfort in the eye

  • Blurred or hazy vision

  • A gritty or sandy sensation

  • Redness and tearing

  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

  • Headache

If you experience any of these symptoms, prompt first aid and medical evaluation are recommended.

Immediate First Aid Steps

Corneal abrasions typically heal well with proper care. Follow these steps immediately after injury to reduce complications and ease discomfort.

Rinse the eye gently

Use clean water or a saline solution to flush the eye. You can:

  • Use an eyecup or small glass, placing the rim against the bone just below the eye

  • Tilt your head back and slowly pour the liquid into the eye

  • Use a worksite eyewash station if one is available

Rinsing may help remove dust or foreign particles trapped under the eyelid.

Blink repeatedly

Blinking can help dislodge and flush out small particles naturally. Do not force it if blinking causes excessive pain.

Try the eyelid sweep technique

Gently pull your upper eyelid down over the lower one. This might trigger tearing, which helps rinse out debris. The eyelashes of the lower lid may also sweep away particles from beneath the upper lid.

What Not to Do

Some actions can worsen the injury or increase your risk of infection. Avoid the following:

  • Do not attempt to remove embedded foreign objects from the eye

  • Do not rub your eye

  • Do not use tweezers, cotton swabs, or any tools near your eye

  • Do not wear contact lenses until the eye has fully healed

Self-treatment can cause more harm than good—leave it to a medical professional.

When to See a Doctor

Even though corneal abrasions often heal within a few days, they can lead to complications like corneal ulcers if left untreated. Always seek medical attention after a suspected abrasion to:

  • Confirm the diagnosis

  • Get antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection

  • Rule out deeper or more serious damage to the eye

Your doctor may recommend avoiding screen time and bright lights during recovery to reduce discomfort and photophobia.

How to Prevent Corneal Abrasions

  • Wear protective eyewear when working with tools, chemicals, or in windy environments

  • Clean contact lenses properly and avoid sleeping in them

  • Be cautious when applying cosmetics or inserting contact lenses

  • Wash your hands before touching your eyes