What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Corneal Abrasion - Triage

Audience: adult

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or injury to the clear front surface of your eye. After a telemedicine visit for a corneal abrasion, you will usually receive guidance on how to care for your eye at home and when to seek further help. The healthcare provider may recommend treatments such as eye drops or pain relief and advise you on protecting your eye while it heals. Follow-up care is important to ensure the injury is healing well and to prevent infection or complications. If symptoms worsen or new problems develop, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms quickly and guide you on next steps, but some situations require hands-on examination and treatment by an eye specialist.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain that worsens or does not improve with pain medication — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden decrease or loss of vision in the affected eye — get urgent in-person evaluation.
• Eye discharge that is thick, yellow, or green, or if the eyelids become swollen — see a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and injury history.
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom relief.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.
• Scheduling follow-up appointments and monitoring progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed eye examinations with specialized instruments.
• Diagnosing complex eye injuries or infections requiring laboratory tests.
• Administering treatments such as eye patching or medication injections.
• Providing emergency interventions for severe eye trauma.

Understanding Corneal Abrasion

A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the cornea, the clear layer covering the front of the eye. It can cause pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. Most corneal abrasions heal within a few days with proper care. However, the cornea is very sensitive, so even small injuries can feel quite uncomfortable. Prompt care helps prevent infection and other complications.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, how the injury happened, and any past eye problems. They may ask you to show your eye on camera to look for signs of redness or discharge. Based on this information, they will decide if your injury can be managed remotely or if you need to see an eye specialist in person. They will also provide advice on how to care for your eye and relieve symptoms.

Common Treatments and Home Care

Treatment often includes using lubricating eye drops to keep your eye moist and reduce discomfort. Your provider may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Avoid rubbing your eye and protect it from dust and bright light. Sometimes, an eye patch is suggested, but this is less common now. Follow the instructions given carefully and avoid using any medications not recommended by your healthcare provider.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your symptoms get worse or you notice new signs such as increased pain, vision changes, discharge, or swelling, you should seek in-person care immediately. Some corneal abrasions can lead to infections or deeper eye injuries that need specialized treatment. Do not delay getting help if you experience any red flags.

Follow-Up After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your provider may schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your healing. This could be another telemedicine visit or an in-person exam. It is important to complete the full course of any prescribed treatment and report any changes in your symptoms. Proper follow-up helps prevent complications and ensures your eye recovers fully.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your telemedicine visit.
• Have a list of your symptoms and how the injury occurred.
• Prepare to describe any past eye problems or treatments.
• Have a device with a camera to show your eye if requested.
• Keep a list of any medications or eye drops you are currently using.

After your tele-visit

• Use prescribed or recommended eye drops as directed.
• Avoid rubbing or touching your injured eye.
• Protect your eye from dust, wind, and bright light.
• Take pain relievers if advised by your healthcare provider.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up visits, either virtual or in-person.
• Seek immediate care if red flags or worsening symptoms occur.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit fully treat a corneal abrasion?

Telemedicine can often guide initial care and determine if you need to see an eye specialist. However, some cases require in-person exams and treatments to heal properly.

How long does it take for a corneal abrasion to heal?

Most corneal abrasions heal within 1 to 3 days, but healing time can vary depending on the size and depth of the scratch.

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

You should avoid wearing contact lenses until your eye has fully healed and your healthcare provider says it is safe to resume use.

What symptoms mean I should get emergency care?

Severe pain, sudden vision loss, thick eye discharge, or swelling of the eyelids are signs you should seek emergency medical attention promptly.

Sources

1. Corneal Abrasion — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Eye Injuries — 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 you have concerns about your eye health or experience any emergency symptoms, seek immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional.