Corneal Abrasion and Eye Injury

A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. It causes sharp pain, tearing, and a feeling that something is stuck in the eye. Most heal within 1 to 3 days with treatment.

What Is It

Common causes include a fingernail, a tree branch, makeup brushes, contact lenses, and dust or metal flakes. Contact lens wearers have a higher risk of infection after a scratch. Chemical splashes and objects that hit the eye at high speed are more serious injuries.

Symptoms

Sharp eye pain
A feeling that something is in the eye
Tearing and red eye
Sensitivity to light
Blurry vision
Squinting or trouble keeping the eye open

Not sure it’s a scratch? Red, itchy eyes with discharge and no injury are more likely pink eye.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider checks your vision and uses a special eye stain and light to find scratches. Small surface particles can often be removed. Antibiotic eye drops may be used to prevent infection. Deeper injuries need an eye doctor.

At home:

Rinse the eye with clean water or saline for something small in it
Do not rub the eye
Do not wear contact lenses until it heals
Wear sunglasses for light sensitivity

Most corneal abrasions heal within 1 to 3 days.

When to Get Care for an Eye Injury

Watch at Home

Something small in the eye that rinsed out, with no pain afterward
Normal vision
Feeling better within an hour

Come to Urgent Care Today

Eye pain or a gritty feeling after a scratch
Something still stuck in the eye after rinsing
Light sensitivity and tearing after an injury
A red, painful eye in a contact lens wearer
A scratch not improving after 2 days

Go to the Emergency Department

A chemical splash: rinse with water for 15 minutes, then go to the ER
An object stuck in the eye, or a cut on the eyeball
Metal hitting the eye at high speed, like from grinding or hammering
Sudden vision loss, or blood in the front of the eye
A hard blow to the eye with double vision or severe pain

FAQ

How do I know if I scratched my eye?

A scratched eye usually causes sharp pain, tearing, light sensitivity, and a feeling that something is stuck in the eye, even after rinsing.

How long does a corneal abrasion take to heal?

A corneal abrasion usually heals within 1 to 3 days. Larger scratches can take up to a week.

What should I do if something is in my eye?

If something is in your eye, rinse it with clean water or saline and do not rub. If it does not come out or pain continues, get it checked.

Should I patch a scratched eye?

Patching is usually not needed for a scratched eye and can slow healing. Antibiotic drops and keeping the eye clean work better.

Can urgent care treat a scratched eye?

Yes, urgent care can treat a scratched eye. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can use an eye stain to look for a scratch and check for small particles.

When is an eye injury an emergency?

An eye injury is an emergency after a chemical splash, an object stuck in the eye, metal hitting the eye at high speed, sudden vision loss, or blood in the eye.

Last reviewed October 2026