Eye
Medicines for Corneal abrasion
A scratch on the clear front surface of the eye, causing pain, watering and light sensitivity — usually healing quickly, but needing assessment to protect the eye.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Corneal abrasion?
A corneal abrasion is a scratch or graze on the cornea — the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of the eye. It is a common eye injury, and can happen from a poke in the eye (for example a fingernail or a child's hand), a foreign body such as grit or sand, contact lens problems (wearing them too long, or a poorly fitting or dirty lens), or from tree branches or make-up brushes.
- How it is treated: A corneal abrasion is usually assessed by a doctor or optician, who can confirm it (often using a special dye and light to see the scratch) and check for any foreign body or more serious injury.
- Self-care: Avoid rubbing the eye, do not wear contact lenses until the eye has healed and been cleared, use any prescribed drops as directed, and protect the eyes (for example with safety glasses for risky activities) to prevent future injuries.
- When to seek help: See an optician, GP or eye casualty for a scratched eye, especially if you wear contact lenses.
What it is
A corneal abrasion is a scratch or graze on the cornea — the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of the eye. It is a common eye injury, and can happen from a poke in the eye (for example a fingernail or a child's hand), a foreign body such as grit or sand, contact lens problems (wearing them too long, or a poorly fitting or dirty lens), or from tree branches or make-up brushes. Because the cornea is very sensitive, an abrasion causes noticeable symptoms: pain or a gritty, "something in the eye" feeling, watering, redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and difficulty keeping the eye open. Most corneal abrasions are minor and heal quickly, often within a day or two, as the cornea repairs itself. However, because the eye is precious and an abrasion can occasionally become infected or be more serious (especially in contact lens wearers), it is important to have it assessed and to know the warning signs.
How it is treated
A corneal abrasion is usually assessed by a doctor or optician, who can confirm it (often using a special dye and light to see the scratch) and check for any foreign body or more serious injury. Most minor abrasions heal on their own within a day or two; treatment focuses on comfort and preventing infection — which may include lubricating drops or ointment, antibiotic drops or ointment to reduce the risk of infection, and pain relief; contact lenses should not be worn until the eye has fully healed and been cleared. It is important not to rub the eye. Larger, central, or contact-lens-related abrasions, or those not healing, need closer follow-up, as contact lens wearers in particular are at higher risk of a more serious corneal infection. Any chemical or high-velocity injury, or embedded foreign body, needs urgent specialist care. The reassuring message is that most corneal abrasions heal quickly, but the eye should be assessed and the warning signs known, particularly for contact lens wearers.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Corneal abrasion
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Avoid rubbing the eye, do not wear contact lenses until the eye has healed and been cleared, use any prescribed drops as directed, and protect the eyes (for example with safety glasses for risky activities) to prevent future injuries.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See an optician, GP or eye casualty for a scratched eye, especially if you wear contact lenses. Seek urgent eye care if symptoms worsen, vision is affected, there is significant pain or discharge, the eye becomes more red, or if it does not heal within a couple of days. Any chemical or high-speed injury needs emergency care.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Corneal abrasion: frequently asked questions
How long does a scratched eye take to heal?
Most minor corneal abrasions heal quickly, often within a day or two, as the cornea repairs itself. Treatment focuses on comfort and preventing infection. Larger or contact-lens-related abrasions may take longer and need closer follow-up.
Is a scratched eye serious?
Most are minor and heal well, but the eye should be assessed, as an abrasion can occasionally become infected or be more serious — especially in contact lens wearers, who are at higher risk of a serious corneal infection. Know the warning signs and seek care if it worsens.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Eye injuries
- College of Optometrists / Royal College of Ophthalmologists
Related conditions
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