Antibiotics for a corneal abrasion

A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the clear surface at the front of the eye. It can cause pain, watering, redness, light sensitivity and a gritty feeling. The injury may heal as the surface repairs, but a clinician needs to consider its size, depth, cause, contact-lens use and signs of infection.

Antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be used when a clinician thinks they could reduce infection risk; they do not repair the scratch itself and are not suitable for every eye injury. Do not use leftover eye medicine, share drops or put non-eye products into the eye. Contact-lens wearers should receive prompt advice.

Do not rub the eye. Rinse gently with clean water if a loose irritant is present, then seek medical advice if pain or foreign-body sensation remains. Use prescribed drops exactly as directed and wash your hands before applying them. Avoid contact lenses until a clinician says they are safe, and use sunglasses if light is uncomfortable.

Pain relief may be discussed with a pharmacist or clinician. Never use numbing drops at home unless specifically instructed in a clinical setting, because they can delay recognition of worsening injury.

Seek urgent eye care for reduced or blurred vision, severe pain, increasing redness, pus, marked light sensitivity, an embedded object, chemical exposure or an injury involving a sharp or high-speed object. Prompt assessment is also needed if symptoms are worsening or not improving. Do not try to remove an object that is stuck in the eye.

How deep is the abrasion and when should it be rechecked? Do I need antibiotic drops or ointment? When can I return to contact lenses, driving or work? Which symptoms suggest infection or a deeper injury?