Abrasions usually heal in a short time period, sometimes within hours. But while they are healing they can cause excessive tearing, redness, blurred vision and light sensitivity. In many cases, the cornea will heal overnight during sleep. If treatment is needed, it consists of a tight patch to keep the lids from moving and pain relievers as needed for comfort. An antibiotic may be used following an abrasion because the open area of the epithelium invites infection.
Small abrasions heal rapidly.
However, if one covers more than one-third of the cornea, it may take an extra day or two for the epithelium to completely recover the front of the cornea. Typically, an anesthetic is used in the eye doctor's office to ease the pain and to aid in the examination. After the examination, the pain typically returns. But, repeated use of anesthetic can harm the eye and is therefore not used in the treatment of abrasions. It may take several weeks for all the blurriness to resolve.