How to prepare for a video visit about Corneal Abrasion - Triage

Audience: adult

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or injury to the clear front surface of your eye. It can cause pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. Preparing for a video visit about a corneal abrasion can help you get the most from your telemedicine appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and may guide you through a visual check of your eye. Telemedicine can help decide if you need urgent in-person care or if home care is appropriate. However, some eye injuries require immediate attention in person. Knowing the warning signs and having your medical history ready will improve your visit. This guide explains how to prepare, what to expect, and when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden loss or significant decrease in vision — go to an emergency room or eye specialist right away.
• Visible blood in the eye or a foreign object stuck in the eye — do not try to remove it yourself; seek urgent in-person care.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and triage for mild corneal abrasion symptoms.
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Follow-up visits to check healing progress and answer questions.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Removing foreign objects stuck in the eye.
• Performing detailed eye examinations requiring special equipment.
• Treating severe eye injuries or vision loss that require urgent in-person care.

What is a Corneal Abrasion?

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or small injury on the cornea, the clear layer covering the front of your eye. It can happen from dust, fingernails, contact lenses, or small objects. Symptoms often include eye pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, and feeling like something is in your eye.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a video visit, your healthcare provider can ask about your symptoms and look at your eye to assess the injury. They can help decide if you need urgent in-person care or if you can manage symptoms at home with guidance. Telemedicine is useful for follow-up checks and advice on care steps.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If you experience severe pain, vision loss, bleeding, or if an object is stuck in your eye, you should seek emergency care right away. Also, if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 24 hours, an in-person visit is important.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Find a quiet, well-lit space for the call. Have a clean tissue or cloth ready if you need to gently wipe your eye. Be ready to describe your symptoms, when they started, and any treatments you have tried. Remove contact lenses before the visit if possible.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your provider may ask you to look in different directions so they can see your eye clearly. They might guide you to check your vision or eye movement. Based on the assessment, they will suggest next steps, which could include home care or referral to an eye specialist.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

Follow the advice given during your visit carefully. This may include using lubricating eye drops or avoiding rubbing your eye. Monitor your symptoms and schedule a follow-up visit if recommended or if symptoms change.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for your video visit.
• Have a clean tissue or cloth nearby for gentle eye wiping if needed.
• Remove contact lenses before the visit, if applicable.
• Be ready to describe your symptoms clearly, including when they started and any treatments tried.
• Have your medical history and current medications available to share.
• Ensure your device camera can clearly show your eye when requested.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan or advice given by your healthcare provider.
• Use any recommended eye drops or medications as directed.
• Avoid rubbing or touching the injured eye.
• Protect your eye from dust, bright light, or irritants.
• Monitor your symptoms closely and seek in-person care if red flags appear.
• Schedule and attend any recommended follow-up appointments.

FAQs

Can a corneal abrasion heal on its own?

Many minor corneal abrasions heal on their own within a few days with proper care, such as keeping the eye clean and avoiding rubbing. However, it's important to follow medical advice and monitor symptoms closely.

Is it safe to use eye drops for a corneal abrasion?

Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears are often recommended to keep the eye moist and comfortable. Avoid using any medicated or redness-reducing drops unless prescribed by your healthcare provider.

When should I remove my contact lenses after an eye injury?

You should remove contact lenses immediately after an eye injury and avoid wearing them until your eye has fully healed and your healthcare provider says it is safe to do so.

What should I do if I can't see well during the video visit?

If the video quality is poor, try improving lighting or your internet connection. If your healthcare provider cannot adequately assess your eye via video, they may recommend an in-person visit.

Can I drive after a corneal abrasion?

If your vision is blurry or you have eye pain, it is safer to avoid driving until your vision improves and you feel comfortable. Ask your healthcare provider for specific advice.

Sources

1. Corneal Abrasion — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Eye Injuries — Mayo Clinic.
3. Eye Injuries and Emergencies — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Corneal Abrasion: Clinical Features and Management — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.