Eye Exam for Corneal Abrasions

A corneal abrasion is one of the most common and undertreated eye injuries. An abrasion is a scratch on the clear, protective layer on the outside of your eye, known as the corneal epithelium. Most scratches are caused by dirt, sand, dust or other particles, and they usually heal within a day or two. You may have an abrasion if you have pain, frequent tears, redness or a gritty feeling in the eye. Corneal abrasions can be minor or severe depending on the cause; if your eye hasn’t healed in a few days or if you experience severe pain or irritation, we recommend an eye exam to test for any injuries to the cornea. This test is painless and involves the use of a special fluoroscein dye that helps your doctor visualize the location of an abrasion. On occasion, antibiotics or an eye patch may be used to aide in healing.