How to Heal a Scratched Eye

When you or your child scratch an eye, it can be a frightening situation. Whether it is due to a fingernail, piece of dirt, contact lens or paper cut, having a scratch in such a tender area can get you rattled. Signs that you may have scratched your eye include redness in the white of the eye, blurry vision and excessive tearing. Most eyes scratches will heal relatively quickly if the proper treatment protocol is followed.

Step 1

Visit your doctor or bring your child to the doctor as soon as possible after the injury occurs. He may perform a fluorescence exam to determine if a scratch is present. Harmless orange dye is applied into the eye, which will stick to a scratch.

Step 2

Apply antibiotic ointment to the eye to treat any infection. Reapply every 12 to 24 hours. Obtain the ointment via prescription from your doctor.

Step 3

Place a patch over the eye to allow the scratch to heal without any further irritation. Leave it on for two days or so, advises AskDrSears.com, or until the scratch is gone.

Step 4

Visit your doctor again after a few days, if requested, to do the eye exam again.

Step 5

Make an appointment with an ophthalmologist if the scratch will not go away or if it is deeper than just a surface scratch. Surgery may need to be performed for a severe cut.