Eye injuries, like a scratched eye, can be an incredibly uncomfortable experience. Whether it’s caused by a speck of dust, an accidental poke, or debris caught in the wind—it’s tough to ignore the irritation, tearing, and sensitivity that follows. While scratches to the cornea can often heal with basic care, treating the injury the right way from the start can make a significant difference.
For mild corneal abrasions, here are some home remedies you can use:
- Flush and bathe your eye
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Use over-the-counter eye medications
- Apply artificial tears
- Wear sunglasses as needed
- Avoid contact lenses
When combined with proper care, these methods can provide relief and aid in faster recovery. But, if you’re concerned about your or a loved one’s eye health, your optometrist is ready to take a closer look with a comprehensive eye exam.
What Causes Scratched Eyes?
A scratched eye, or corneal abrasion, is often caused by something small yet irritating. Common causes include:
- Flying debris like dirt, dust, or chips of plant matter gets trapped under the eyelid.
- Improper contact lens use such as prolonged wear or using damaged lenses.
- Accidental pokes or scratches from fingernails, makeup tools, or pets.
- Environmental hazards such as strong wind carrying foreign particles.
Not all eye discomfort means you have a corneal abrasion, but some clear signs include:
- Persistent pain or discomfort when blinking.
- Excessive tearing or watery eyes.
- A gritty feeling, like something is stuck in the eye.
- Redness and light sensitivity (sometimes even indoors).
- Temporary blurred vision or, in severe cases, localized headaches due to inflammation.
The cornea—that clear, protective layer over your eye—can heal quickly when cared for properly. However, ignoring symptoms or applying ineffective remedies can prolong your discomfort or even lead to infections. Taking steps at home can help you heal faster while protecting your vision.
1. Flush & Bathe the Eye
One of the simplest and most effective remedies is to flush out the eye to remove irritants. Here are a few methods to do this correctly:
- Under a faucet: Run a gentle stream of lukewarm water, tilting your head so the water flows across (not directly into) the affected eye.
- Using an eyecup or glass: Fill a clean eyecup or glass with water, place it against your eye socket, and rinse.
- While in the shower: Tilt your head sideways under lukewarm water, letting the flow naturally wash over your closed eyelid.
Ensure the water is clean and at a comfortable temperature to avoid further irritation.
2. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Though it may feel instinctive to rub the irritation away, doing so can worsen the injury. Rubbing increases friction on your already delicate cornea, potentially deepening the scratch or further embedding debris in the tear film. If you feel a persistent itch, resist the urge and move on to the next step instead.
3. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
To manage inflammation and pain, try using anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These can also help with the associated headaches caused by irritation or light sensitivity.
Always consult your doctor before use if you’re unsure about dosages or medical conditions.
4. Apply Soothing Artificial Tears
Over-the-counter, preservative-free eye drops can bring immediate relief by moisturizing the surface of the cornea. Ask your optometrist for brands that are chemical-free and safe even for sensitive eyes. These drops can help calm redness and promote recovery. Use them several times daily as needed—especially after flushing or before resting.
5. Wear Sunglasses as Needed
Sensitive eyes often respond poorly to bright light after a scratch. Protect them by wearing sunglasses—even indoors if necessary. Polarized or wrap-around styles can reduce glare and shield the healing eye from light exposure that could slow recovery. As a bonus, sunglasses are an excellent way to protect your eyes from any dust flying around on a windy day—while also looking stylish.
6. Avoid Contact Lenses
Contact lenses offer many benefits such as clear without worry about glasses, but they can sometimes cause more pain. While a scratched eye heals, contact lenses should be put away completely.
Not only can lenses worsen irritation, but they also pose an increased risk of infections for an unprotected eye. Opt for glasses during your recovery to give your cornea the time it needs to heal properly.
When to See Your Optometrist
Sometimes, home remedies aren’t enough. Consult an eye care professional right away if you notice:
- Worsening pain or redness
- Visible bleeding, discharge, or signs of infection near the eye
- Vision that continues to worsen
- A scratch caused by a sharp or contaminated object
Prompt intervention from an eye doctor can prevent long-term damage, like retinal scarring.
Home Care Is Just The Start
While home remedies are effective for minor injuries, professional care can support proper healing for more severe cases. If your scratched eye feels worse rather than better, don’t wait—Total Vision Pasadena’s team of eye care experts is here to help.
Book your appointment today for personalized guidance, treatment, and peace of mind. Whether it’s a scratched cornea or long-term eye health needs, we’re here for you every step of the way.
Together, we can help your eyes get the care they need to remain healthy and strong!
