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

Audience: pediatric

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or injury to the clear surface of the eye called the cornea. It can cause pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light in children. Preparing for a video visit about a corneal abrasion helps ensure the healthcare provider can assess the situation safely and quickly. During the visit, you may be asked about how the injury happened, symptoms your child is experiencing, and any treatments already tried. You might also be asked to show the eye on camera to help the provider see signs of injury. Telemedicine can guide you on whether your child needs urgent in-person care or if home care is appropriate. However, some cases require an eye exam in person, especially if symptoms worsen or vision changes. This guide helps you understand what to expect, how to prepare, and when to seek emergency care for your child's eye injury.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain that does not improve with basic care — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden changes or loss of vision in the affected eye — go to an eye specialist or emergency room.
• Visible bleeding, swelling, or a foreign object stuck in the eye — urgent in-person evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of corneal abrasion symptoms.
• Guidance on home care and pain management.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.
• Providing follow-up advice and monitoring progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a detailed eye examination with special instruments.
• Removing embedded foreign objects from the eye.
• Diagnosing complex eye injuries or infections requiring specialized tests.
• Prescribing treatments that require in-person evaluation first.

What is a Corneal Abrasion?

A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. It can happen when something rubs or pokes the eye, like a fingernail, dust, or a foreign object. In children, it often causes discomfort, redness, tearing, and a feeling like something is in the eye.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet, well-lit area where you can show your child's eye clearly. Have a clean tissue or cloth ready in case your child needs to wipe tears. Be ready to describe how the injury happened, when symptoms started, and any treatments you have tried. If possible, have a flashlight or phone light to help the provider see the eye better during the call.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as pain level, redness, tearing, and vision changes. They may ask you to show the eye on camera. They will decide if your child can be cared for at home or needs to see an eye specialist in person. They might provide advice on pain relief and eye care.

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

Some signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention. These include severe pain that does not improve, worsening redness or swelling, changes in vision, bleeding from the eye, or if a foreign object is stuck in the eye. If your child has these signs, go to an emergency room or eye specialist immediately.

Caring for Your Child After the Visit

Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. This may include using prescribed eye drops or ointments, avoiding rubbing the eye, and protecting the eye from bright light. Watch for any new or worsening symptoms and seek care if they occur. Keep follow-up appointments as advised.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit room for the video visit.
• Have a clean tissue or cloth ready for your child’s tears.
• Be prepared to describe how and when the eye injury happened.
• Have a flashlight or phone light available to help show the eye.
• Ensure your device camera is working and positioned to clearly show the eye.
• Have a list of any medications or treatments already given to your child.

After your tele-visit

• Follow all instructions given by the healthcare provider.
• Use any prescribed eye drops or ointments as directed.
• Avoid rubbing or touching the injured eye.
• Protect the eye from bright lights and irritants.
• Monitor for any worsening symptoms or new signs.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.

FAQs

Can a corneal abrasion heal on its own?

Many small corneal abrasions heal naturally within a few days with proper care, such as keeping the eye clean and avoiding rubbing. However, follow your healthcare provider's advice and watch for any worsening symptoms.

Is it safe to use eye drops for my child's scratched eye?

Only use eye drops or ointments recommended by your healthcare provider. Some over-the-counter drops may cause irritation or delay healing if not appropriate for the injury.

What should I avoid doing after a corneal abrasion?

Avoid rubbing or touching the injured eye, using contact lenses until healed, and exposing the eye to smoke or dust. Protect the eye from bright light and follow care instructions carefully.

When should I take my child to an eye specialist?

If your child has severe pain, worsening redness or swelling, changes in vision, or a foreign object stuck in the eye, seek care from an eye specialist promptly.

Sources

1. Corneal Abrasion — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Eye Injuries: First Aid — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Corneal Abrasion: Symptoms and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Corneal Abrasion — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their condition, seek immediate medical attention.