The most common irritants are a contact lens, a fingernail, a piece of paper, a tree branch, or any object that gets into the eye, such as sand or dirt. It is not contagious. The most common symptoms are pain, redness, teary eyes, or a feeling that an object is in the eye. Corneal abrasions are usually limited to one eye, but can occur in both eyes, especially from wearing contact lenses for too long. If no foreign body remains in the eye, it will usually heal completely in 24-48 hours, leaving no permanent damage.
Healing can take longer, depending on severity and treatment.
Your health care provider will thoroughly examine your eye for signs of a foreign body or severe eye injury. If a problem is present which is not within the scope of our practice, your provider will make a decision about possible referral. If a corneal abrasion is evident, your provider will treat your eye with appropriate medications. You may be prescribed antibiotic drops or ointment as well as an analgesic for pain. An eye patch may be applied at the physician s direction.