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

Audience: pediatric

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or injury to the clear front surface of the eye called the cornea. In children, this can happen from rubbing the eye, getting poked, or from foreign objects like dust or sand. Symptoms often include pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. While many corneal abrasions can be managed with basic care and monitoring, some signs mean your child should see a healthcare provider in person. This guide helps you understand when to seek urgent care and what can be safely handled through telemedicine. Remember, this information is educational and not a diagnosis. If your child has severe pain, vision changes, or other serious symptoms, getting in-person care quickly is important to protect their eye health.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain that does not improve — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden or worsening vision loss — go to an eye specialist or emergency room.
• Eye injury caused by chemicals or sharp objects — urgent in-person evaluation needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing initial symptoms and injury history.
• Providing advice on basic eye care and pain management.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation.
• Monitoring mild symptoms and recovery progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Removing foreign objects embedded in the eye.
• Performing detailed eye examinations or vision tests.
• Treating chemical burns or severe injuries.
• Prescribing medications that require a physical exam before use.

What is a Corneal Abrasion?

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or small injury on the clear surface of the eye called the cornea. It can cause discomfort and make the eye sensitive to light. In children, abrasions often happen from accidental pokes, rubbing the eye too hard, or getting dust or small particles in the eye.

Common Symptoms in Children

Symptoms of a corneal abrasion may include:

If your child shows these signs after an eye injury, it's important to watch closely.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Some symptoms need urgent medical attention. Take your child to a healthcare provider or emergency room if they have:

Early treatment can prevent complications.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can be useful for:

However, some cases require a physical eye exam and treatment that can only be done in person.

Basic Care Tips at Home

If your child has a mild corneal abrasion, you can:

Avoid using any eye drops unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a clear description of how the eye injury happened.
• Note all symptoms your child is experiencing.
• Be ready to describe any changes in vision or eye appearance.
• Prepare a list of any medications your child is taking.
• Ensure good lighting and a quiet environment for the tele-visit.
• Have a caregiver assist with the telemedicine session if your child is very young.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the care instructions given by the healthcare provider.
• Use recommended pain relief methods carefully.
• Avoid rubbing or touching the injured eye.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms worsen.
• Keep follow-up appointments as recommended.

FAQs

Can a corneal abrasion heal on its own?

Yes, many minor corneal abrasions heal within a few days with proper care, such as avoiding eye rubbing and keeping the eye clean. However, it's important to monitor symptoms and seek care if they worsen.

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

You should avoid using any eye drops unless they are prescribed by a healthcare provider. Some drops can irritate the eye or delay healing.

How can I tell if my child’s vision is affected?

If your child complains of blurry vision, difficulty seeing, or if you notice they are squinting or having trouble focusing, these may be signs of vision changes that need prompt evaluation.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room if your child has severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, eye bleeding, or if the injury involved chemicals or sharp objects.

Can telemedicine replace an eye exam for a corneal abrasion?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide care but cannot replace a detailed eye exam needed for diagnosis and treatment of serious injuries.

Sources

1. Corneal Abrasion — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Eye Injuries in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Corneal Abrasion: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Eye Injuries — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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 if you are concerned, seek prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.