Fortunately, most abrasions -- painful as they may be -- leave vision intact. But it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as an abrasion occurs.
Although no one knows just how many corneal abrasions occur, abrasions are among the most common of eye injuries. You may not know exactly how an abrasion happened. But you will feel it. Human beings are equipped to react quickly when the eye is threatened. The epithelium, the outermost of five layers of tissue in the cornea, has thousands of tiny nerve endings that create a hotbed of sensitivity. You’ll probably feel pain, sensitivity to light, and a feeling that something is in your eye. You may also have tearing, blurred vision, a headache, and difficulty keeping your eye open.
If you do have such symptoms of abrasion-- especially pain -- get to an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. But first, if you wear contacts, take them out immediately, with clean hands. You should also wash out your eye with clean water or a saline solution, using a clean eye cup or clean glass. Blinking several times may also help wash out the offending object. Try pulling your upper eyelid over the lower lid: The lashes of the lower lid may brush the particle from the underside of the upper lid. The resulting tears may do this as well. But do not rub your eye or try to remove an object stuck there. This could make the injury worse.
Obviously, the best course is to avoid the abrasion altogether. Here's some advice:
- If you’re working with wood, metals, chemicals, or even puttering in the garden or mowing the yard, wear eye protection -- goggles or safety glasses, available at hardware and home supply stores.
- Cut down overhanging branches you pass by each day and keep your nails (and those of any babies in the house) well trimmed.
- If you wear contact lenses, check with your doctor to make sure they fit well. Wash your hands and lenses before you put in your lenses.
- It’s also a good idea to wear sunglasses that shield your eyes from ultraviolet rays, summer and winter.
