Protecting your eyes from foreign objects is one of the most basic principles of eye care. Yet, injuries occur even as a result of everyday circumstances: from high winds blowing dust to housework, there are many ways foreign objects can make their way into the eyes and cause scratches. If you’ve sustained a scratch to your eye, follow the do’s and don’ts provided by Tri-State Ophthalmology, Ashland, KY’s leading team of eye doctors.   

Do:

Rinse with clean water or saline.

Rinsing may help dislodge whatever object caused the scratch in the first place. To avoid infection, make sure the source of water is clean, or use a saline solution to flush the object.

Blink consistently.

Blinking is also a great way to eradicate dust, sand, or other small bits of debris. If you’ve blinked repeatedly and nothing has come out, try pulling your upper eyelid over your lower to see if the lashes help clear the eye. 

Wear sunglasses.

If you’ve scratched the surface of your eye, it will be particularly sensitive to the sun’s rays. Wear sunglasses, even if it’s overcast, to minimize light sensitivity.  

Don’t:

Put anything in your eye.

Avoid using eye drops for now, as they could cause further irritation to an already inflamed eye. You’ll also want to skip contact lenses and wear eyeglasses until it is completely healed.

Rub or touch your eye.

Although reaching for your eyes to rub them is a normal reaction, doing so will only make matters worse. Rubbing can cause the abrasion to become more pronounced, so resist the urge to touch your eyes.  

Ignore worsening symptoms.

If you have blurred vision, extreme sensitivity to light, or your symptoms worsen over time, make an appointment with an eye care specialist. They may prescribe an ointment or specially formulated drops to support the healing process.

Whether you have a suspected eye injury or simply need to schedule a routine eye care exam, the friendly team at Tri-State Ophthalmology will help. Their state-of-the-art vision facility has served the Ashland community since 1963 and specializes in conditions such as dry eye syndrome and diabetic eye disease. Learn more about their services on their website, or call (606) 324-2451 to schedule an appointment.