What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Corneal Abrasion - Triage

Audience: pediatric

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or scrape on the clear front surface of the eye called the cornea. In children, this can cause pain, redness, tearing, and sensitivity to light. After a telemedicine visit for a suspected corneal abrasion, healthcare providers will guide families on how to care for the eye at home and when to seek further help. Treatment often includes using lubricating eye drops or ointments and avoiding rubbing the eye. Follow-up care is important to ensure healing and to prevent infection or complications. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms quickly and decide the next steps, but some situations require in-person care. Parents and caregivers should watch for warning signs such as worsening pain, vision changes, or discharge, which need urgent evaluation. This guide helps families understand what to expect after a telemedicine visit for a child's corneal abrasion and how to support their recovery safely.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or increasing eye pain not relieved by medication — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden vision loss or significant changes in vision — urgent in-person evaluation needed.
• Thick, yellow, or green eye discharge indicating possible infection — see a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and injury description.
• Guidance on home care and medication use.
• Determining the need for urgent in-person evaluation.
• Follow-up symptom check-ins for mild cases.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed eye examinations with specialized equipment.
• Administering treatments that require in-person procedures.
• Diagnosing complications that need slit-lamp or fluorescein dye examination.
• Treating chemical burns or deep eye injuries requiring emergency care.

Understanding Corneal Abrasion in Children

A corneal abrasion happens when the surface of the eye gets scratched. Kids may experience discomfort, redness, tearing, or a feeling like something is in their eye. These injuries often heal well with proper care but can be painful and sometimes lead to infection if not treated correctly.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about symptoms and may guide you through a basic eye check. They will suggest treatments such as eye drops or ointments to help the eye heal and reduce discomfort. You will receive advice on how to protect the eye and what activities to avoid while healing.

Home Care Tips for Healing

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When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

Some symptoms require urgent evaluation in person. Seek immediate care if your child experiences:

These signs may indicate complications needing prompt treatment.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Follow any instructions for follow-up visits, whether via telemedicine or in person. Monitoring your child's symptoms helps ensure the eye is healing properly. If symptoms do not improve within a few days or worsen, contact your healthcare provider for reassessment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a good light source available to show the child's eye during the visit.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• Gather any previous medical records or information about eye conditions.
• Ensure the child is comfortable and cooperative for the video call.
• Have any prescribed eye drops or medications on hand to discuss usage.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions on using eye drops or ointments.
• Keep the child from rubbing or touching the injured eye.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new signs of infection.
• Protect the eye from irritants and bright light as advised.
• Schedule or attend any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

FAQs

Can a corneal abrasion heal on its own?

Many corneal abrasions heal naturally within a few days, especially with proper care like lubricating eye drops. However, treatment helps reduce pain and prevent infection.

Is it safe to use over-the-counter eye drops for my child's eye?

Use only the eye drops recommended by your healthcare provider. Some over-the-counter drops may not be suitable for children or could irritate the eye further.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room if your child has severe pain, vision loss, chemical exposure to the eye, or if the eye injury was caused by a sharp object.

Can my child go to school or play after a corneal abrasion?

Your healthcare provider will advise based on your child's symptoms. Generally, children should avoid activities that might worsen the injury or expose the eye to dirt and irritants until healed.

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. Follow-up care helps ensure the eye heals properly without complications.

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: Overview — 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 a serious eye injury or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.