What to do if you scratch your eye

Scratching your eye can feel instantly alarming, especially when it happens out of nowhere and suddenly every blink hurts. Whether it’s from a contact lens, a piece of dust, or your child accidentally poking your eye, that sharp, gritty feeling can make you panic fast. 

The reassuring part? Most scratched eyes (also called corneal abrasions) are minor and heal pretty quickly with the right care. 

This guide covers: 

• How to tell if you scratched your eye 

• What to do right away 

• What healing actually looks like (spoiler: there’s no true overnight fix) 

• When it’s time to see a doctor 

• How to help prevent it from happening again  

What is a scratched eye? 

A scratched eye, or corneal abrasion, is a small scratch on the cornea — the clear surface at the front of your eye. 

Your cornea helps focus light so you can see clearly. It also has a lot of nerve endings, which is why even a tiny scratch can feel surprisingly painful. 

The good news is that most scratches only affect the surface layer and heal without causing long-term problems. But deeper scratches can sometimes lead to infection or other complications if they aren’t treated properly. 

Superficial vs. deeper eye injuries 

Not all scratched eyes are the same. 

Superficial abrasions 

These affect only the top layer of the cornea. They’re the most common type and usually heal quickly within a few days. 

Deeper injuries 

These go beyond the surface and can be more serious. Deeper scratches may need medical treatment to help prevent infection or scarring. 

If you’re not sure which type you have, it’s best to treat your eye gently and keep an eye on your symptoms.

 

What to do if you scratch your eye 

If you think you scratched your eye, try not to panic. The key is to act quickly — but gently. 

1. Rinse your eye 

Flush your eye with clean water or sterile saline solution. 

• Use an eyewash cup, clean glass, or gentle stream of water 

• Let the liquid flow naturally across the eye 

• This may help wash out dust, sand, or debris 

2. Blink several times 

Blinking helps your eye produce natural tears, which can help remove small particles. 

3. Try the eyelid trick 

Gently pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid. Sometimes your lower lashes can help sweep out whatever is irritating your eye. 

4. Take out your contact lenses 

If you’re wearing contacts, remove them right away. 

And even if your eye starts feeling better quickly, don’t put them back in until your eye feels completely normal again.  

What NOT to do 

A few common mistakes can actually make a scratched eye worse. 

Try to avoid: 

• Rubbing your eye 

• Trying to remove debris with your fingers or tweezers 

• Wearing contact lenses while your eye heals 

• Using redness-relief drops unless a doctor recommends them 

• Patching your eye yourself 

Even a small scratch can become more irritated — or infected — if the eye doesn’t get a chance to heal properly.  

Common causes of a scratched eye 

Scratched eyes are surprisingly common. 

Some of the biggest causes include: 

• Contact lenses, especially dry or damaged ones 

• Dirt, sand, or debris getting into the eye 

• Fingernails while putting in or removing contacts 

• Makeup brushes or applicators

• Accidental scratches from pets or kids 

• Rubbing your eyes too hard

• Sports or outdoor activities 

For contact lens wearers, even a slightly dry lens can increase the risk of scratching the cornea.  

Signs you may have scratched your eye 

A scratched eye usually feels obvious pretty quickly, even if you can’t actually see the scratch. 

Common symptoms include: 

• Sharp, stinging, or burning pain 

• A gritty feeling, like something is stuck in your eye 

• Redness 

• Watery eyes or excessive tearing 

• Blurry vision 

• Sensitivity to light 

• Pain when blinking 

These symptoms often start right after the injury happens.  

Normal symptoms vs. serious warning signs 

One of the biggest questions people have is: What’s normal, and what’s a sign something’s wrong? 

Symptoms that are usually normal 

With a minor scratch, it’s common to have: 

• Mild to moderate pain that slowly improves 

• Slight redness 

• Tearing that gradually gets better 

• Some light sensitivity 

Most minor corneal abrasions start improving within 24–48 hours. 

Red flag symptoms 

These symptoms are worth getting checked out sooner rather than later: 

• Pain that keeps getting worse 

• Significant blurry vision or vision loss 

• Yellow, green, or thick discharge 

• A white or cloudy spot on the eye 

• Severe light sensitivity that isn’t improving 

• Feeling like something is still stuck in your eye after rinsing it 

• Trouble keeping the eye open 

If any of these happen, don’t wait it out.  

When is a scratched eye an emergency? 

Some eye injuries need immediate medical care. 

Get help right away if: 

• You were hit with metal, glass, or chemicals 

• Your pupil suddenly looks uneven 

• You can’t open the eye 

• There’s blood inside the eye 

• Your vision suddenly drops 

• The pain becomes severe very quickly 

• Something appears stuck in the eye 

And definitely don’t try to remove embedded objects yourself.  

Scratched eye healing timeline 

Most minor scratched eyes heal within 24–72 hours, though everyone’s recovery looks a little different. 

First few hours 

You may notice: 

• Burning or stinging 

• Redness 

• Tearing 

• A gritty sensation 

Within 24 hours 

Pain and light sensitivity often start improving. 

After 48–72 hours 

Many small scratches feel dramatically better or fully healed. 

If symptoms get worse instead of better 

That could point to infection or a deeper injury and should be checked out. 

One important thing to know: there’s no true “overnight fix.” Even if your eye starts feeling better fast, it still needs time to fully heal.  

What eye drops can you use for a scratched eye? 

Some eye drops can help soothe irritation while your eye heals. 

Eye drops that may help 

• Preservative-free artificial tears 

• Lubricating eye gels or ointments 

• Antibiotic drops prescribed by a doctor 

Eye drops to avoid 

• Redness-relief drops 

• “Get the red out” products 

• Random medicated drops not meant for eye injuries 

If you wear contacts, be extra cautious about what you put in your eyes while healing.  

How to sleep with a scratched eye 

Sleeping with a scratched eye can be uncomfortable, especially the first night. 

A few things that may help: 

• Sleep on the unaffected side 

• Try not to rub your eye while falling asleep 

• Use lubricating ointment before bed if recommended 

• Consider a protective eye shield if needed 

• Keep contact lenses out overnight 

Some people notice more discomfort in the morning because the eye dries out slightly during sleep. That’s pretty common and usually improves during the day.

When to see a doctor 

A lot of scratched eyes heal on their own, but some definitely need medical treatment. 

See an eye doctor if: 

• Symptoms aren’t improving within 24–48 hours 

• Pain is severe or worsening 

• Your vision changes 

• You think something is still stuck in your eye 

• You were scratched by something dirty 

• You wear contact lenses and symptoms feel significant 

When it comes to eyes, it’s always okay to play it safe.  

How doctors diagnose a scratched eye 

If you go to the doctor, the exam is usually quick and pretty painless. 

They may: 

• Ask how the injury happened 

• Shine a light into your eye 

• Use fluorescein dye to highlight scratches 

• Check for debris trapped under the eyelid 

The dye temporarily makes scratches easier to see under a blue light. 

This helps them figure out: 

• How large the scratch is 

• Where it’s located 

• Whether there are multiple abrasions 

• Whether there are signs of infection  

Common treatments for a scratched eye 

Treatment depends on how serious the scratch is. 

Your doctor may recommend: 

• Antibiotic eye drops or ointment 

• Lubricating drops or gels 

• Pain-relief medication or drops 

• Taking a break from contact lenses 

• Follow-up appointments for deeper scratches 

Most people recover pretty quickly once the eye has time to heal.  

Possible complications of a scratched eye 

Most corneal abrasions heal without any lasting issues. 

But in some cases, complications can happen, especially if the scratch is deep or becomes infected. 

Possible complications include: 

• Eye infections 

• Corneal ulcers 

• Recurring corneal erosion 

• Temporary vision changes 

• Corneal scarring in severe cases 

Contact lens wearers may have a slightly higher risk of infection after a scratched eye.  

Can contact lenses cause a scratched eye? 

Yes — contact lenses are one of the most common causes of corneal abrasions. 

This can happen if you: 

• Put lenses in or take them out too roughly 

• Wear lenses longer than recommended 

• Use dry or damaged lenses 

• Sleep in contacts not meant for overnight wear 

• Get debris trapped under the lens 

When can you wear contacts again? 

Wait until: 

• Your symptoms are completely gone 

• Your eye feels normal again 

• Your doctor says it’s okay, if the injury was more serious 

Starting contacts too soon can slow healing or irritate the eye all over again.  

What if your child scratches their eye? 

Scratched eyes are common in kids, especially from: 

• Fingernails 

• Toys 

• Accidental bumps and falls 

What to do 

• Try to keep them from rubbing the eye 

• Rinse the eye gently with clean water 

• Watch for redness, tearing, or light sensitivity 

• Call a doctor if symptoms seem severe or aren’t improving 

Kids also may not fully explain what they’re feeling, so it helps to monitor them closely.  

Tips to help your eye heal faster 

While your eye heals: 

• Wear glasses instead of contacts 

• Avoid bright light or wear sunglasses outside 

• Use artificial tears if recommended 

• Limit screen time if it makes symptoms worse 

• Follow treatment instructions carefully 

• Avoid touching or rubbing the eye 

Most scratches heal pretty quickly, but giving your eye time to rest really does make a difference. 

How to prevent scratching your eye 

You can’t prevent every accident, but a few habits can lower your risk. 

Practice good contact lens hygiene 

• Wash your hands before touching lenses 

• Clean and store lenses properly 

• Replace lenses on schedule 

• Don’t sleep in contacts unless they’re approved for overnight wear 

Protect your eyes 

• Wear safety glasses when needed 

• Be careful with makeup tools 

• Keep fingernails trimmed 

• Avoid rubbing your eyes 

Rubbing your eyes is one of the easiest ways to make irritation worse

The bottom line 

Scratching your eye can feel dramatic in the moment, but most corneal abrasions heal quickly with gentle care and a little patience. 

Focus on: 

• Basic first aid 

• Avoiding extra irritation 

• Watching for warning signs 

• Giving your eye time to heal 

And if something feels off, trust your instincts and get it checked out. 

 

FAQ 

Can a scratched eye heal on its own? 

Yes. Most minor scratches heal on their own within a few days, as long as symptoms steadily improve. 

Can I use Visine on a scratched eye? 

Redness-relief drops like Visine usually aren’t recommended for scratched eyes unless a doctor specifically suggests them. 

How long should I wait before wearing contacts again? 

Wait until your eye feels completely normal and all symptoms are gone — and longer if your doctor recommends it.

Original publish date: 12/14/2022

Updated date: 5/28/2026