You’ve probably experienced an eyelash or a speck of dust getting into your eyes. It can be very discomforting, and you can’t wait to get it out. Well, corneal abrasion is worse than that. It is more common than you might think and anyone can experience it no matter how careful you are.
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the clear part of the eye that allows you to see. People describe corneal abrasion as feeling like there is something stuck in the eye. The thing is, because the cornea is sensitive, even the tiniest scratch can cause the biggest discomfort you’ve ever experienced. In this article, we are going to be looking at treatment and prevention of corneal abrasion.
Treatment of Corneal Abrasion
So you scratched your eye; what now? It’s very natural for you to panic when you scratch your eye, because nothing can prepare you for how discomforting it would be. But the first thing you have to do is try not to panic.
Rinse your eyes: Once you are calm, start your first move, which is to rinse your eyes. Use clean water or a saline solution to gently wash out your eyes. You can cup your hand or get a bowl and fill it with water. Dip your affected eyes into the water and move your eyeball around to remove the particles. This removes any dirt or particles that could make the scratch worse.
Don’t rub your eyes: I know it’s tempting, but rubbing your eyes can actually make it worse. It can put dirt further into your eyes.
Blink a lot: If you can’t get access to water to rinse your eyes, just blink repeatedly. Blinking helps your eyes produce tears, which naturally clean and soothe your eyes.
Avoid contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, take them out immediately. Wearing them could trap harmful particles, making the scratch even worse.
Use eye drops: Your doctor might give you an antibiotic eye drop or ointment to stop infection. These drops will help the cornea heal and keep the eyes moist. It’s just like an artificial tear.
Take a break from the screen: Taking a break from the screen might be a tough one, but staring at your phone or computer can strain the eyes even more.
Wear an eyepatch or sunglasses: If the light bothers you, which it probably will, wear an eyepatch or sunglasses to help reduce the discomfort.
How To Prevent Corneal Abrasion
I always believe that the best way to deal with something is not to get it in the first place. But sometimes, some certain things can be inevitable, like corneal abrasions. So there are some simple things that you can do to protect your eyes. First and foremost, avoid rubbing your eyes. Even though it feels like rubbing your eyes will get rid of the irritation, it can actually make things worse.
If you play sports like football or work in dusty areas, it’s always a good idea to wear protective goggles to protect your eyes from little particles. Also, if you wear contact lenses, make sure you clean them properly and don’t wear them longer than recommended. It’s easy to forget or be lazy about it, but your eyes will thank you later. Always wash your hands before putting them in or taking them out.
Furthermore, when applying makeup, especially mascara or eyeliner, be careful not to poke yourself in the eyes with these tools. Check the labels of skincare products, if anything accidentally gets into your eyes, rinse it out immediately to avoid irritation. If you have dry eyes, you are more likely to scratch them because they are not as protected by tears. So always have with you an eye drop which will help keep the eyes hydrated and less irritated. Finally, always check expiry dates. Using old or contaminated products can introduce bacteria into your eyes leading to infection and potential corneal abrasion.
Conclusion
Having to deal with corneal abrasion can be really painful, but it can heal fast if you take care of it. The best way to avoid this is by not rubbing your eyes. If you do scratch your eye, don’t panic; just follow the steps in the article, and you’ll feel better soon.
