Eye emergency 101: what does a scratched cornea feel like?
Experiencing discomfort or pain in your eye can be worrying. One common cause of eye pain is a scratched cornea, which might sound worrisome but is relatively common and treatable.
In this friendly yet professional guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about scratched corneas, from identifying the symptoms to getting the right treatment at your local CityMD.
What is a scratched cornea?
The cornea is the clear, protective outer layer of your eye. It acts like a window that controls and focuses the light entering the eye. Due to its exposed position, the cornea is susceptible to injuries from dust, dirt, sand or even an accidental poke. When something scratches the cornea, it can cause a corneal abrasion.
A corneal abrasion is essentially a scratch on the surface of your cornea. Despite the cornea's resilience and ability to heal quickly, even a minor scratch can lead to discomfort or more severe complications if not treated properly.
What does a scratched cornea feel like?
A scratched cornea can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the severity of the scratch. Here are some common signs that you might have a corneal abrasion:
- Pain and discomfort. The most immediate and noticeable symptom. It might feel like there's something gritty in your eye.
- Redness and swelling. Your eye may appear redder than usual, and you might experience swelling around the affected area.
- Tearing and discharge. Your eye might produce more tears than usual, or you could notice a clear or slightly white discharge.
- Sensitivity to light. You may find bright lights uncomfortably glaring or have difficulty keeping your eyes open in well-lit areas.
- Blurred vision. The scratch can affect how light is focused, leading to temporarily blurred or decreased vision.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to avoid rubbing your eye, as this can worsen the injury. Instead, seek medical attention to ensure your eye heals correctly and to prevent complications.
Treating a scratched cornea at CityMD.
At CityMD, we understand a scratched cornea can be uncomfortable and concerning. Our team of healthcare professionals offer quick and effective treatment to help your eye heal as quickly and safely as possible.
Remember, a scratched cornea is treatable, especially with prompt care. If you suspect you have a corneal abrasion, don't hesitate to visit your neighborhood CityMD. Our friendly, professional staff is here to help you through every step of the healing process, ensuring your eye returns to normal as quickly as possible.
You can take the necessary steps toward recovery by understanding what a scratched cornea feels like and knowing the effective treatments options that are available at CityMD. Remember, taking care of your eyes is important and and at the first sign of trouble, professional medical attention can make all the difference.
We’re ready to care for you.
Visit any CityMD urgent care location in your community today for an evaluation with one of our expert providers.