Eye Abrasion Treatment Methods
Posted on: 9 July 2020
There are many reasons why you should seek out care from an ophthalmology specialist, like those at Idaho Eye and Laser center. A scratch across the cornea is one such reason. This is called corneal abrasion and your eye doctor will treat the condition in a few different ways. Keep reading to learn a little bit about these treatments.
Patching Treatment
Your eye doctor is likely to give you an eye patch that is to be worn during the day and evening. The patch is a protective one that goes over the affected eye. You will be asked to wear the patch for two to seven days depending on the extent of the injury. The patch is the most conservative of treatments and is a good option for minimal and shallow abrasions. Patches are meant to do a few different things. They keep you from rubbing your eye since rubbing can lead to increased inflammation and further injury to the cornea. The covering also will force you to close your eye. This keeps blinking to a minimum, which can cause irritation as well as itching, burning, and other uncomfortable sensations. Patches are also used to keep medication and lubricating eye drops in place for a longer period of time. Blinking can force the medication away from the cornea and the covering prevents blinking altogether.
Topical Ointments and Medications
In addition to conservative patching, your eye doctor may give you some medications to help heal the abrasion. In the office, dilating drops are often used so the professional can examine the eye. This also helps to relieve pain and to calm your desire to blink excessively. After the initial examination, you may be given antibiotic eye drops. These are prophylactic medications to prevent an infection from developing. Also, moisturizing ointments or eye drops are provided to help with soothing your discomfort. And, if inflammation is already noted, then you may be given drops for this as well. If the abrasion is deep or if you are feeling a fairly intense sensation of irritation, you may be provided with dilating drops for at-home use. You absolutely must use your eye patch with the drops to prevent damage to the retina and optic nerve.
Most abrasions will heal within a few days. You will need to make arrangements with your ophthalmologist for a follow-up to ensure that the wound is healing as it should. If you want to know more about corneal abrasions or other types of eye injuries, speak with an ophthalmologist in your area.
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