A corneal abrasion is when the surface of the eye gets scratched. It’s one of the most common eye injuries, and most people recover without any permanent eye damage. Anything that makes contact with the eye’s surface can cause a corneal abrasion. A scratched eye can cause tremendous discomfort, light sensitivity and can affect vision—and of course, cause redness. Corneal abrasions can be treated with lubricating eye drops, and antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. Superficial corneal abrasions usually heal within three days. See an ophthalmologist if you think you may have a scratched eye.

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