What Does a Scratch on the Eye Feel Like?
A scratch on the eye, known medically as a corneal abrasion, is one of the most common causes of acute eye discomfort. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. It plays a vital role in focusing light and maintaining clear vision. Because the cornea contains many nerve endings, even a small scratch can cause significant pain and irritation.
What is a Corneal Abrasion
A corneal abrasion occurs when the surface layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, becomes damaged or removed. This type of injury can result from direct trauma, such as being poked in the eye, or from contact with a foreign object like dust, sand, or a fingernail. It can also develop when a contact lens is worn too long, inserted incorrectly, or if debris becomes trapped beneath it.
Because the cornea is highly sensitive, even a minor abrasion can cause intense discomfort. The symptoms typically appear immediately after the injury and may persist until the surface begins to heal.
Common Sensations of a Scratched Eye
The primary sensation of a corneal abrasion is sharp pain or a feeling that something is stuck in the eye. Patients often describe this as a constant foreign body sensation that does not go away with blinking or eye flushing. The eye may become red, watery, and extremely sensitive to light.
Another common symptom is tearing. The eye produces excess tears in an attempt to flush out debris and protect the surface from further injury. However, this tearing does not relieve the discomfort because the problem lies in the damaged corneal surface rather than a removable foreign object.
Blurry vision can also occur. When the corneal surface becomes irregular due to the scratch, light entering the eye does not focus properly, resulting in blurred or hazy vision. The severity of this symptom depends on the location and depth of the abrasion. Scratches in the central cornea, which is directly in front of the pupil, tend to cause more noticeable visual changes.
Additional Symptoms and Reactions
The eyelid may become swollen, and the patient may have difficulty keeping the affected eye open. Reflex blinking and involuntary closing of the eye, known as blepharospasm, often occur because the cornea is trying to protect itself from further irritation. Some people also experience headaches or eye strain due to the constant discomfort.
Light sensitivity, or photophobia, is a hallmark sign of corneal injury. Exposure to bright light can worsen pain and make it difficult to function normally. In some cases, the unaffected eye may also tear and become irritated due to a reflex reaction from the injured side.
Causes and Risks
Corneal abrasions can occur from many sources. Fingernails, makeup applicators, tree branches, or paper edges can easily scratch the surface. Small particles such as dust, sand, or metal shavings may cause abrasions if they enter the eye and are rubbed against the cornea. Improper contact lens hygiene, overwearing lenses, or sleeping in them increases the risk of scratches.
Dry eye disease also contributes to a higher risk of corneal abrasions. When the eyes lack adequate lubrication, the corneal surface becomes more vulnerable to friction and injury. Rubbing the eyes aggressively can worsen the problem and increase the likelihood of developing an abrasion.
Diagnosing a Corneal Abrasion
An eye care professional can diagnose a corneal abrasion through a comprehensive examination. After applying a numbing drop to relieve discomfort, the clinician may use a fluorescein dye that highlights the injured area under blue light. This test allows visualization of the size and location of the abrasion.
It is important to avoid self-diagnosing or attempting to remove foreign material with fingers or cotton swabs, as this can worsen the injury. Persistent pain, vision changes, or light sensitivity should always be evaluated promptly to rule out infection or deeper corneal damage.