Corneal abrasion, commonly known as scratched eye, is one of the most common eye injuries. Branches, twigs, paper, dust, nail, debris, makeup brushes, etc. could lead to a scratched eye. Damaged contact lenses could also damage the cornea.
Below are some Do’s and Don’ts that may help you in dealing with the eye injury in an accurate and safe way:
Dos:
- Get medical help: Severe scratches to the eye caused by flying debris, fingernails, or other sharp objects could lead to bleeding and temporary vision blurriness. In such cases, it is crucial to get your eyes thoroughly checked to lower the risk of infections.
If you are suffering from a scratched eye or any other eyes-related condition, visit Disha Eye hospitals, the leading eye hospital in West Bengal, for a comprehensive eye test. The easiest way is to book an appointment through http://www.dishaeye.org/appointment.
- Blink frequently: One of the best methods of relieving any discomfort associated with an eye scratch is to blink frequently. Doing this also helps you to get rid of tiny bits of sand and dust from your eyes.
- Rinse the injured eye: If a foreign object such as tiny debris or bits of sand/dust has caused the scratch, the best safety measure to take is to wash the injured eye with clean cold water. Doing this could help you flush out the foreign particle from the eyes. You could also use a saline solution as an alternative to water.
Don’ts:
- Do not touch the injured eye
Touching the affected eye with fingers or cotton swabs could worsen the injury by accidentally pushing the stuck foreign particle deeper into the wound. It is important to note that the particle may still be stuck in your eye but you may not get the sensation. The best option is to let an eye doctor remove the particle to avoid further worsening of the condition.
- Do not rub the injured eye
You may find it difficult to resist the urge to rub your eyes but it is crucial to not do it as your hands may pass on the germs to your eyes or you may inadvertently worsen the injury.
- Do not wear your contact lenses
In many cases, contact lenses cause minor scratches in the eyes. In that case, avoid wearing your contact lenses. Even if the eye scratch is caused by foreign particles, wearing your contact lenses can slow the healing process and increase the risk of eye infections.
- Tips to prevent a scratched eye
It is not possible to completely avoid a scratched eye. However, there are various steps you can take to reduce the risks. These include: - Use your contact lenses as per the instructions provided by the doctor/pharmacist
Depending on your eye health, the doctor or the pharmacist may provide specific instructions. For instance, your doctor may suggest you to wear your contact lenses only for a few hours in a day.
Make sure of following the best practices such as taking the lenses off when washing your face and before you go to bed, to reduce the risk of scratches. - Wear safety/protective eyeglasses
You stand at a greater risk of getting a scratched eye or any other eye injuries while engaging in activities such gardening, using power tools, playing sports, and cleaning, due to the presence of airborne debris. Wear a pair of protective eyeglasses when performing such activities.
- Wear eye makeup the safe way
In many cases, scratches in the eyes result from improper application of eye makeup. For example, you may risk scratching the front of your eye (cornea) with an eye makeup applicator (brush) if you are in a rush.
An improper method of wearing false eyelashes could also cause one or two lashes to point inward and scratch the cornea. Always prioritise your safety when applying eye makeup. If you notice redness and experience discomfort in your eyes after wearing the makeup, cleanse it right away, and consult an eye doctor.