If it feels like sand is stuck in your eye and blinking makes it worse, you may have a corneal abrasion – a scratched cornea on the clear surface at the front of the eye. People sometimes call it a torn cornea, but most injuries are shallow scratches of the top layer, not a full-thickness tear. Because the cornea is densely innervated, even a small eye scratch can hurt a lot.
Most uncomplicated abrasions heal in 24 to 72 hours with proper care, but knowing the signs, causes, and the right corneal abrasion treatment can help you heal comfortably and avoid setbacks.
Scratched cornea symptoms
- Sudden pain or a sharp, gritty feeling that worsens with blinking
- Tearing and redness
- Light sensitivity that makes normal rooms feel too bright
- Blurry or hazy vision, especially if the scratch is central
- The urge to rub or keep the eye closed
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or vision is declining, call your eye doctor the same day.
Common causes
- Fingernails during play, sports, or when inserting contacts
- Contact lenses with debris underneath, a rough edge, or over-wear
- Dust, sand, sawdust, or metal particles at work or during yardwork
- Makeup applicators and mascara wands
- Plant material, which carries a higher infection risk
- Dry eye that leaves the surface vulnerable
What to do right away and what to avoid
Do
- Rinse gently with sterile saline or clean water
- Blink and pull the upper lid over the lower to sweep out small debris
- Remove contact lenses and pause wear until you are cleared
Avoid
- Rubbing the eye
- Trying to remove anything embedded
- Using leftover drops from an old illness
- Eye patching, which is no longer standard care
How your doctor confirms it
A fluorescein dye drop highlights surface defects under blue light. A slit-lamp microscope shows the size and depth of the scratch, checks for debris under the lids, and rules out infection or deeper injury.
Corneal abrasion treatment that typically helps
- Antibiotic ointment or drops to lower the infection risk while the surface seals
- Lubricating tears, preferably non-preserved, for comfort and surface protection
- Topical pain control when appropriate, guided by your doctor
- Bandage contact lens in selected cases to reduce pain and support healing
It is recommended to follow up within about 24 hours to confirm progress and adjust care. For contact wearers, be sure to stop use until the cornea is fully healed and your doctor says it is safe.
What it feels like compared to other problems
A scratched cornea is usually abrupt and very focal. Conjunctivitis tends to itch and feel irritated, but not sharp. A corneal ulcer brings pain plus discharge and often worsens quickly. If you are unsure, assume it needs a same-day evaluation.
Special notes for contact lens wearers
Overwear, sleeping in lenses without a doctor’s approval, and dry-eye days all increase the risk. If you develop a corneal abrasion, remove lenses and bring your case and solution to the visit. Do not reuse the same pair after healing. Your doctor may have you replace the lens set and clean or change your case to reduce the risk of future problems.
Typical healing timeline
- Day 0: Pain, tearing, and light sensitivity start. Rinsing and removing contacts helps.
- Day 1: With treatment, pain usually improves. Sensitivity and tearing often linger.
- Days 2 to 3: Small abrasions typically seal. Vision clears if the scratch was off-center.
- After sealing: Mild dryness or morning scratchiness can persist for a short time. Lubrication helps.
If pain worsens at any point or returns after an initial improvement, call your doctor.
When to seek urgent care
- Chemical exposure, even if you have rinsed
- Something embedded in the eye
- Worsening pain, redness, discharge, or a new drop in vision
- Injuries from plant material
- Symptoms that return after seeming to heal
Preventing future scratches
- Eye protection for tools, grinding, mowing, or dusty tasks
- Contact lens habits that follow replacement schedules and avoid sleeping in lenses unless approved
- Dry eye care if you have a history of surface irritation
- Family safety, like keeping children’s nails trimmed and toys away from their faces
Recurrent corneal erosion in plain English
Sometimes the new surface does not anchor firmly to the layer beneath it. The epithelium lifts again, often on waking, and the pain feels like the first injury. That is recurrent corneal erosion. Lubricants at bedtime, mild anti-inflammatory care, and, in some cases, in-office procedures can stabilize the surface and reduce recurrences. If the old pain pattern returns, call the office.
Work, driving, and daily life
- You can usually work from home or do light tasks once pain is controlled
- Driving should wait until vision is clear and light sensitivity settles
- Screens can feel harsh at first. Lower brightness and take frequent breaks
- When outdoors, be sure to wear sunglasses
Your next step
If you think you have a scratched cornea, schedule an appointment at the Center for Sight location nearest you. Our expert doctors can help provide you with the cornea care you need to help heal your injury.
FAQ’s
Is a “torn cornea” the same as a corneal abrasion?
People use “torn cornea” to describe the pain of a scratch. Most injuries are superficial abrasions of the top layer, not a full-thickness tear.
How long does a corneal abrasion take to heal?
Minor abrasions often heal in 24 to 72 hours. Deeper or contaminated injuries can take longer and need closer follow-up.
Do I need antibiotics?
Most abrasions are treated with a topical antibiotic to lower infection risk while the surface heals. Your doctor will choose an ointment or drops based on your exam.
Can I wear my contact lenses while it heals?
Remove lenses right away and pause wear until you are examined and cleared. Overwear is a common cause of abrasions and infections.
Should I patch the eye?
No. Patching is no longer routine and can increase discomfort or slow recovery in many cases.
Why does it hurt so much if the scratch is small?
The cornea has a very high density of nerve endings. Even a tiny eye scratch can trigger sharp pain and light sensitivity.
What if the pain comes back?
That may be recurrent corneal erosion. Call your eye doctor. Targeted treatment can help the surface adhere and prevent repeat episodes.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified ophthalmologist or eye care professional for personalized diagnosis and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
About Center For Sight
Center For Sight provides ophthalmology, optometry, dermatology and cosmetic surgery services to patients in Southwest Florida. The practice offers patients convenient access to nationally renowned surgeons, highly-trained, compassionate staff members and cutting-edge technology. Center For Sight’s mission is to “bring clear vision to life” through trusting relationships and the unending pursuit of excellence in eye care. For additional information and locations, visit CenterForSight.net.
About Center For Sight Foundation
The Center For Sight Foundation is a donor-advised fund maintained and operated by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, a section 501(c)(3) organization. The fund is composed of contributions made by individual donors. David W. Shoemaker, M.D., established the Center For Sight Foundation to support the annual Mission Cataract program, which restores vision at no cost for people living at the poverty level suffering vision loss due to cataracts. For more information, visit CFSFoundation.org.
