Corneal Abrasion Healing Time

Corneal abrasion, also known as scratched cornea, is a medical condition characterized by the loss of the surface epithelial layer of the cornea (the transparent cover protecting the iris and pupil) due to any damage caused to the eye. A person experiencing corneal abrasion may also experience epithelial defects and corneal edema. Other symptoms of corneal abrasion include pain in the eye, a foreign body sensation in the eye, swollen eyelids, and blurred vision due to swelling of the cornea or excessive tearing. Although the treatment is quite simple most of the time, corneal abrasion healing time may range from one week to one year, depending on the severity of the issue.

Corneal Abrasion Causes
Corneal abrasion can be caused due to a range of factors, the most prominent one being the intrusion of some foreign body in the eye. This intrusion of foreign bodies may range from a minute sand particle entering the eye, to a branch of a tree brushing against it. At times, this sand particle rests under the upper eyelid, and every time the person blinks it scratches the corneal surface thus damaging it. Foreign bodies entering the eye can also damage the deeper structures, thus worsening the condition and increasing corneal abrasion healing time, even after undergoing corrective treatment procedures. Other causes of corneal abrasion include certain eye infections and exposure to ultraviolet light.

Corneal Abrasion Treatment
The process of corneal abrasion treatment depends on the seriousness of the ailment. Minor abrasions need not necessarily require any medical treatment, but one may have to take some precautions to ensure that the condition doesn't worsen. At times, the person may also require to undergo antibiotic treatment to prevent infection, and cycloplegia, (i.e. the paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye), in order to reduce pain and swelling. The ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic or steroid eye drops to reduce inflammation and stop eye muscle spasms. A tetanus vaccination is recommended if corneal abrasion diagnosis suggests the presence of a rusted metal particle in the eye. In case of recurrent corneal abrasion, the person may may have to undergo phototherapeutic keratectomy, a laser eye surgery meant to treat various ocular disorders. In extreme cases, corneal abrasion may lead to severe complications, such as corneal ulcer. In such circumstances, a corneal transplant is but necessary to restore vision.

Corneal Abrasion Healing Time
Healing time for corneal abrasion depends on the size as well as the severity of the abrasion. Normally, corneal abrasion healing time ranges from 2-3 days to several months. Simple abrasions may heal within 2 or 3 days after the initiation of treatment, whereas severe abrasions, which generally affect around half of the surface area of cornea, heal within a week. If the person undergoes phototherapeutic keratectomy, most often in cases of severe corneal abrasion, it may take a several months for the ailment to heal. In case of further complications, such as corneal ulcer, vision is restored after about a year from corneal transplant. Studies reveal that around 28 percent people with traumatic corneal abrasions experience recurrent symptoms of corneal abrasion up to 3 months from the time of injury. Although the healing time is longer in case of large abrasions, significant developments are observed as soon as treatment is initiated.

Corneal abrasion is also referred to as scratched cornea or scratched eye. You can read more on

• Scratched Cornea Symptoms
• Scratched Cornea Treatment
• Scratched Eye Treatment

Owing to the vast ranges in corneal abrasion healing times, there are high chances that the ailment may keep recurring. If corneal abrasion is left untreated or if treatment is delayed, it may worsen the condition and eventually lead to visual impairment. Although the chances of this happening are rare, it's wise not to take the risks with such eye problems. Taking some precautionary measures, such as wearing protective eye gear and removing any foreign particle entering you eye as soon as possible, can let you live in peace by keeping corneal abrasion at bay.