Cornea is the clear transparent tissue covering the colored part of your eye. It is a very strong lens important for good vision. When it gets scratched, it is called corneal abrasion. Any sharp or small hard object can scratch cornea. Most common things are fingernails, contact lenses, tree branches, animal paws, small pieces of metal, glass etc.
Corneal abrasion is very painful. Light exposure makes the pain worse. People with corneal abrasion have watery, teary eyes and have a feeling that there is a sand inside the eye. Vision is blurred too. It is important to see a physician if cornea is scratched. Healthcare provider may use special dye and a blue lamp to perform exam. Corneal abrasions require antibiotics (drops or ointments) to the eye. If pain is severe, oral medications are used too.
Most corneal abrasions heal in a few days. Only in severe cases, when there are complications and severe damage, corneal surgery and transplants are done. It is important to use protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries.
