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How can you care for corneal scratches?
- The doctor probably used a medicine during your exam to numb your eye. When it wears off in 30 to 60 minutes, your eye pain may come back. Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- Do not rub your injured eye. Rubbing can make it worse.
- Use the prescribed eyedrops or ointment as directed. Be sure the dropper or bottle tip is clean. To put in eyedrops or ointment:
- Tilt your head back, and pull your lower eyelid down with one finger.
- Drop or squirt the medicine inside the lower lid.
- Close your eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the drops or ointment move around.
- Do not touch the ointment or dropper tip to your eyelashes or any other surface.
- Do not use your contact lens in your hurt eye until your doctor says you can. Also, do not wear eye makeup until your eye has healed.
- Do not drive if you have blurred vision.
- Bright light may hurt. Sunglasses can help.
- To prevent eye injuries in the future, wear safety glasses or goggles when you work with machines or tools, mow the lawn, or ride a bike or motorcycle.
Corneal scratches: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have signs of an eye infection, such as:
- Pus or thick discharge coming from the eye.
- Redness or swelling around the eye.
- A fever.
- You have new or worse eye pain.
- You have vision changes.
- It feels like there is something in your eye.
- Light hurts your eye.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.