Red flags & when to go in person for Corneal Abrasion - Triage

Audience: adult

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or injury to the clear front surface of the eye. It often causes pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. Many corneal abrasions can be safely assessed and managed through telemedicine, especially if symptoms are mild and improving. However, some signs suggest a more serious problem that needs in-person evaluation. These include severe pain, worsening vision, discharge, or if the injury was caused by a chemical or high-speed object. This guide helps you understand when to seek urgent care and what to expect from a telemedicine visit. Remember, telemedicine can provide advice and initial assessment but cannot replace hands-on eye examination or specialized tests. If you notice any red flags, please seek immediate in-person care to protect your eyesight.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain that does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief — seek emergency eye care immediately.
• Sudden or worsening vision loss or blurred vision — urgent in-person evaluation needed.
• Thick, colored, or foul-smelling eye discharge indicating possible infection — see an eye specialist promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild symptoms such as slight eye discomfort, redness, or tearing.
• Providing advice on symptom management like using artificial tears or pain relief.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care or emergency services.
• Follow-up to check symptom improvement after initial treatment recommendations.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a detailed eye examination with specialized equipment.
• Diagnosing or managing chemical eye injuries or deep eye trauma.
• Treating severe pain, vision loss, or signs of infection requiring immediate intervention.
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person evaluation.

What is a Corneal Abrasion?

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or scrape on the cornea, the clear layer covering the front of your eye. It can happen from rubbing your eye, getting dust or debris in it, or an injury. Symptoms often include eye pain, redness, tearing, and feeling like something is in your eye.

When to Use Telemedicine for Corneal Abrasion

Telemedicine can help if you have mild symptoms, such as slight discomfort, no vision changes, and no discharge. A healthcare provider can ask questions, look at your eye through video, and guide you on care steps like using lubricating eye drops or pain relief.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person care if you experience:

What to Expect During an In-Person Visit

An eye specialist will examine your eye closely, often using special drops to numb your eye and dyes to highlight the abrasion. They may check your vision and eye pressure. Treatment could include antibiotic eye drops or ointments and pain control.

Preventing Corneal Abrasions

To prevent corneal abrasions, avoid rubbing your eyes, wear protective eyewear during activities with flying debris or chemicals, and keep your hands clean. If you wear contact lenses, follow proper care instructions.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• Prepare to describe how the injury happened and any treatments you have tried.
• Have a flashlight or good light source to help show your eye if requested.
• Ensure your device camera is working and positioned to show your eye clearly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on using eye drops or medications.
• Avoid rubbing or touching your injured eye.
• Protect your eye from bright light or irritants as recommended.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any worsening or new signs.
• Schedule an in-person follow-up if advised or if symptoms do not improve.

FAQs

Can a corneal abrasion heal on its own?

Many minor corneal abrasions heal within a few days without complications, especially with proper care like avoiding eye rubbing and using lubricating drops. However, some may require medical treatment to prevent infection or complications.

Is it safe to wear contact lenses after a corneal abrasion?

It is generally recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses until your eye has fully healed and a healthcare provider confirms it is safe. Wearing contacts too soon can increase the risk of infection.

What should I do if I get something in my eye?

Try to rinse your eye gently with clean water or saline solution. Avoid rubbing your eye. If irritation or pain persists, or if you cannot remove the debris, seek medical advice.

Can telemedicine diagnose a corneal abrasion?

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms and guide initial care, but it cannot replace an in-person eye exam needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious injuries.

When should I go to the emergency room for eye injury?

Go to the emergency room if you have severe pain, vision loss, chemical exposure, bleeding, or a deep eye injury. These require immediate professional care.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical evaluation and treatment. If you experience any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek immediate in-person care.