If you think you have a scratched eye, rinse it gently with clean water or saline, avoid rubbing it, and protect it from light. Most minor corneal scratches heal quickly, but you should get urgent medical care if you have vision changes, severe pain, trouble keeping the eye open, a chemical exposure, a foreign object stuck in the eye, or a contact lens–related injury.

What to do now

  • Rinse the eye with clean water or sterile saline to flush out dust or debris.
  • Blink gently and avoid rubbing the eye, since rubbing can worsen the scratch.
  • Use artificial tears or a lubricating drop if available, to reduce irritation.
  • Wear sunglasses if light bothers the eye.
  • Stop wearing contact lenses until the eye is fully better and a clinician says it is safe.

Avoid

  • Do not rub the eye.
  • Do not use a patch unless a clinician specifically tells you to; routine patching is generally not recommended.
  • Do not use “get the red out ” drops or medication eye drops unless prescribed.

Get urgent care now if

  • You have blurred vision, worsening pain, or marked light sensitivity.
  • The injury was caused by a chemical splash.
  • You suspect something is stuck in the eye or the eye was hit by a sharp object.
  • You wear contacts and the eye is painful or red.

Healing

Most superficial corneal abrasions heal in about 1 to 3 days , but some need prescription drops or an exam to rule out infection or a retained foreign body.

If you want, I can also give you a simple at-home checklist for the next 24 hours.