Why Scratched Corneas Require Emergency Care

A scratched cornea, also called a corneal abrasion, affects the layer that covers both the pupil and the iris. It’s nearly impossible to miss because the pain is typically both immediate and intense. Whether you poked your eye or a piece of dirt became trapped under the lid, the end result is about the same. We’ll look at what you should know about a scratched cornea and how an optometrist in Pittsburgh, PA, can help.

Common Causes 

Most people come to see a professional because they:

• Had an unpleasant run-in with their makeup brush, pen, fingernail, etc.
• Got any kind of foreign object in their eye, whether it’s sawdust or ash.
• Rubbed their eye far too aggressively.
• Experienced an eye infection.
• Worn their contact lenses longer than they should.

It’s worth nothing that just because you have something in your eye, doesn’t mean that your cornea is scratched. If you can get out the foreign object without any lingering pain, there’s likely no need to see a professional.

Common Symptoms 

If you have a scratched cornea, you’re likely to experience the following:

• Tearing
• Redness
• Blurry vision
• A feeling of trapped particulate in your eye

The most common symptom is general pain, which is more likely to intensify when you’re opening or closing your eyes, or upon exposure to light.

Optometrist in Pittsburgh

Scratched corneas can be unbearable, and it can unfortunately be made worse if you choose the wrong home remedies. With locations in Greensburg, McMurray, and Pittsburgh, the team at Lappen Eye Care is trained to help people whenever they need it. Because a scratched cornea can happen just as easily at 2 a.m. as it can as noon, we offer emergency services in Pittsburgh, PA and the surrounding areas.