How to care for a scratched cornea after a crash
An ophthalmologist's advice on a corneal abrasion
In a crash, glass, dust or an airbag can scratch the clear layer on the front of your eye. That layer is the cornea. Rubbing an irritated eye afterward can scratch it too. A scratch can cause intense pain, watering, light sensitivity and blurry vision. [1, 2]
Your care team checks your vision and examines the eye to confirm the scratch. The exam also looks for a trapped particle or a deeper injury. [1, 2]
Use your treatment as directed
Ask what drops or ointment you were given and how long to use them. Don’t rub the eye or use anyone else’s drops. [1, 2]
If you wear contact lenses, stop wearing them. Wait until your eye doctor says the cornea has healed and it’s safe to go back to them. Wearing contacts can change your infection risk and your need for checkups. Ask whether you need a review visit. [1, 2]
Make sure you're healing on schedule
Pain and watering should usually ease as the surface heals. Keep a record of any change in your vision, redness or discharge. Ask who to call if your symptoms don’t improve on the expected timeline. [1, 2]
You may have an eye patch or medicine that blurs your vision. If so, ask when it’s safe to drive. Do not drive while you can’t see clearly. [1, 2]
Watch for signs of a deeper injury
Get urgent eye care if your vision gets worse, or the pain or redness increases. The same goes for a new white spot on the cornea or new discharge. Go to emergency care for severe vision loss. Go as well if a sharp object or a high force injury may have gone into the eye. Do not press on an eye that may have been pierced. [1, 2]
Questions for your eye doctor
- Did you rule out something stuck in the eye or a deeper injury?
- When should my pain and vision get better?
- When can I wear contacts and drive again?
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Sources and further reading
What you read here is general education from ophthalmology. Any change in your sight after an eye injury needs a prompt exam. Follow your own instructions for eye medicine and contact lenses.
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Guides, self-checks and articles for drivers, parents of new drivers, and families recovering after a crash.
