A corneal abrasion is a scratch to the cornea, the clear layer that covers the front of the eye. A corneal abrasion can be painful, but it usually heals quickly and doesn't cause lasting problems. By using any drops or ointments as prescribed, you can help your child's eye get better.

• Use any eye drops or ointment as prescribed by your health care provider. To prevent the spread of germs, always wash your hands before and after using the eye drops or ointment.
• If your child wears contact lenses, they should not use them until your health care provider says it's OK.
• Your child should not use any eye makeup until your health care provider says it's OK.
• Help your child avoid rubbing, touching, or pressing on the eye.
• For discomfort:
  • If your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old. Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.
  • Help your child avoid bright light and wear sunglasses when going outside.
• Make all follow-up appointments as directed.

Your child:

• Has yellow or green mucus coming from the eye
• Has new or worsening eyelid swelling
• Still has eye pain, isn't opening the eye, or can't see normally 24 hours after the visit

Your child:

• Has severe eye pain
• Has new or worsening vision problems

How do kids get a corneal abrasion? Kids can get a corneal abrasion if:

• The cornea is scratched by a fingernail.
• The cornea is scraped by a tree branch.
• Tiny pieces of wood, glass, plastic, sand, or other objects get stuck under the eyelid.
• Contact lenses aren't used or cleaned properly.

Can corneal abrasions be prevented? To help prevent corneal abrasions, kids and teens should:

• Wear safety glasses or goggles when cutting wood, metal, or other materials.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles when doing high-impact sports, such as baseball, basketball, football, racquetball, soccer, wrestling, hockey, lacrosse, and paintball.
• Use and clean contact lenses as directed.