If you have a scratched eye, its important to seek medical attention from an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, especially if youre experiencing severe symptoms such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or severe pain. However, there are some things you can do to help manage the injury before you can see a doctor:

Dos:

• Rinse the scratched eye with clean water or a sterile saline solution to remove any foreign objects that may have gotten into your eye.
• Blink frequently to help flush out any foreign particles that may have gotten into the scratched eye.
• Use an eyecup or a small, clean drinking glass positioned with its rim resting on the bone at the base of your eye socket to rinse your eye.
• Wear sunglasses to ease discomfort caused by sunlight.
• Use lubricating eye drops to make you more comfortable.

Donts:

• Rub your eye, as this can make the injury worse.
• Try to remove anything thats stuck onto your cornea, as only a doctor should do that.
• Use any eye drops without first asking a doctor, as there are no over-the-counter eye drops specifically for eye scratches.

Most corneal abrasions and eye scratches are minor and will heal on their own in a few days, but its always a good idea to see a doctor for an eye exam. Your ophthalmologist may treat an eye scratch with antibiotic eye drops or ointment, and steroid eye drops may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and reduce the chance of scarring. If youre in a lot of pain, are having any trouble seeing, or are worried about your eye, go to the emergency room.