---
title: "Corneal abrasion (scratched eye) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What a scratched eye is, why it is painful, how it usually heals quickly, and the warning signs, including chemical splashes, that need urgent care."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/corneal-abrasion/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Corneal abrasion (scratched eye)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye, often from a fingernail, dust, or a contact lens. It is painful but usually heals within a day or two. Do not rub the eye or wear contact lenses, and seek urgent care for a chemical splash, an embedded object, or severe pain.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes
5. Self-care and when to seek urgent care
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

A corneal abrasion is a graze or scratch on the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye. The cornea is very sensitive, so even a small scratch can be painful, but most heal quickly because the surface repairs itself rapidly.

## Common symptoms

Symptoms usually come on suddenly after something contacts the eye.

- Pain and a strong feeling that something is in the eye
- Watering and redness
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision or difficulty keeping the eye open

## Causes

Common causes include a poke from a fingernail, dust, grit or sand, tree branches, and contact lenses, especially if worn too long or not cleaned well. Dry eyes can also make the surface more prone to grazing.

## Self-care and when to seek urgent care

Do not rub the eye, and avoid contact lenses until it heals. Most minor scratches settle within a day or two. Seek urgent care if a chemical has splashed into the eye (rinse with water immediately and get help), if something is stuck in the eye, if there is a high-speed injury, or if pain or blurring is severe or not improving, as treatment can prevent infection.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does a scratched eye take to heal?

Most minor corneal abrasions heal within 24 to 48 hours. See a clinician if pain or blurring is severe, an object is stuck, or it is not improving.

### What should I do if I scratch my eye?

Do not rub it, avoid contact lenses, and protect it from bright light. If a chemical splashed in, rinse with clean water straight away and seek urgent help.

### Can a scratched eye get infected?

A scratch can occasionally become infected, which is why severe, worsening, or non-healing symptoms should be assessed, especially in contact lens wearers.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [NHS - Eye injuries](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eye-injuries/)