A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye (the cornea). It is one of the commonest eye injuries, often caused by a fingernail, a child's hand, a paper edge, a twig, makeup brush or a contact lens. It hurts a lot because the cornea has more nerve endings than almost any other part of the body, but most scratches heal within one to three days.
The doctor puts in a drop of yellow fluorescein dye and looks with a blue light: the scratch glows green, showing its size and depth. The lids are checked for any trapped particle. Treatment is usually antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection, a lubricant, and sometimes a drop to relax the eye muscle and ease pain. A large scratch may be covered with a bandage contact lens. Simple pain relief by mouth (for example paracetamol) helps.
Small scratches heal in 24 to 72 hours. Use the drops exactly as prescribed and finish the course. Contact lens wearers must stay out of lenses until the doctor says the eye has healed, because scratches in lens wearers are more likely to become infected.
Sometimes the healed surface does not stick down firmly and tears open again, usually on waking. If you get sudden sharp pain on opening your eyes in the morning weeks after a scratch, read our leaflet on recurrent corneal erosion.
Most small corneal abrasions heal in one to three days with antibiotic drops or ointment. Larger ones can take up to a week.
Patching is no longer routine because it does not speed healing and can make you less comfortable. Your doctor may use a bandage contact lens for a large scratch.
Not until your vision is clear and comfortable, and not if you have had dilating drops or the eye is closed.
A simple scratch usually heals without a scar. Deep scratches, infection or scratches from plant material can leave scarring, which is why same-day treatment matters.
Related: Eye Injury & Emergency Treatment Ahmedabad, Contact Lens Care Tips, How to Put Eye Drops and Ointment Correctly: Step by Step.
This leaflet gives general information and does not replace advice from your own eye doctor. Reviewed by Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (Ophthalmology, AIIMS New Delhi), November 2026.
Sadbhaav Eye & Dental Clinic, Motera, Ahmedabad. Dr. Dhaval Patel, MD (AIIMS New Delhi). Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm. For a serious eye injury outside clinic hours, go to the nearest eye hospital or emergency department.
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