The cornea is a clear covering over the iris, the colored part of your eye. A corneal abrasion is a common injury that occurs when the clear layer that covers the front part of the eye is scratched or poked. Objects that commonly cause this injury include tree branches or twigs, fingernails, mascara brushes, hairbrushes, contact lenses, and paper edges. The main symptoms are eye pain, a feeling of something in the eye or under the lid, a watery eye, and sensitivity to light. Small corneal abrasions usually heal within  1 or 2 days. Deeper or larger abrasions may take about a week.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. A patch may have been put on your eye to keep it closed until your follow-up visit. This will make your eye less painful and will make the abrasion heal faster. Do NOT loosen or remove the eye patch for 24 hours except to apply medication.
2. When one eye is patched, your ability to judge distances is changed. Do not drive while your eye is patched. Try to rest the unpatched eye. Reading may cause discomfort. IF using your eye seems to make it feel worse, try relaxing in a dark room. If you watch TV, sit at least 10-15 feet away.
3. If your injury was caused by contact lens, do not wear your contacts until instructed to do so after your return visit.

CALL IF:

1. Your eye pain gets worse.
2. You have any problems with your eye patch.
3. You develop a fever greater than 100.5F

RETURN:

1. In 24 hours for a recheck if symptoms have not resolved.