Can Urgent Cares Treat Corneal Abrasions?

Corneal abrasions most often occur when you get something lodged in your eye or something scratches the surface of it. The severity will depend on the size of the cut as well as how many layers of the cornea are affected out of the 5 there are. The depth will determine what stage of corneal abrasion you’re at, ranging from mild, to moderate, to severe.
The most common causes of these types of injuries are dirt, sand, dust, bits of wood or metal, make-up brushes/wands, and fingernails.

Depending on the severity of your abrasion, and what stage you’re at in the healing process, you may experience symptoms such as:

– Blurred vision.
– Eye pain.
– Feeling like something is present in your eye.
– Red eyes.
– Sensitivity to light.
– Swollen eyes or eyelids.
– Watery eyes.

No matter how uncomfortable your eye feels, it’s important to avoid rubbing it as this can push foreign materials deeper and/or aggravate the area further.

If you go to the clinic for a scratched cornea, your healthcare physician will typically start by flushing out your eye with a saline solution. They’ll examine you to determine if something is in your eye and, if there is, they’ll use a topical anesthetic in combination with a swab to remove the foreign object gently and precisely.

If it’s determined that you have a corneal abrasion, your provider will likely prescribe medication (usually in the form of eye drops) to help prevent infection. You’ll be required to take these drops until you’re symptom-free. You may also be recommended over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to help you manage any pain you’re experiencing.

In addition to this, your physician may also provide you with a patch or bandage contact lens to help the abrasion heal and to reduce any discomfort that blinking may cause.

However, if you’re better or improving after 3-5 days, you’ll have to revisit your physician for follow-up treatment. Your doctor may refer you to see an optic specialist if they believe you need a higher level of care.

Yes, an urgent care facility can definitely help you treat a corneal abrasion.

If you think that you have something in your eye, and gently flushing out your eye with water hasn’t helped, it’s always best to book in to see a healthcare provider. This is especially true if your line of vision has been affected or you’re in a lot of pain, as these can be signs of a more serious eye injury.

In certain cases, your healthcare provider may refer you to an optometrist or ophthalmologist should you require a higher level of care, but most low-to-moderate corneal injuries can be remedied by a general practitioner. Urgent care centers are especially helpful if you require care outside of normal business hours and/or can’t get in to see your primary care physician or optometrist.

The good news is that most corneal abrasions are minor and will feel better within 24-48 hours with proper care. However, larger and/or deeper scratches may take more time to heal, which can be anywhere from several days to several weeks.

It’s important to book in with your healthcare provider regarding any eye injuries, especially if you’re in pain or your sight has been compromised. Leaving serious corneal abrasions untreated can result in infection and long-term damage that often require more serious treatments to correct.

At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we offer effective, safe, and cost-effective care if you’re experiencing any kind of eye discomfort. Contact us today for more information about our corneal abrasion treatments, walk-in for a same-day visit, or book in with us online to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Tibbetts St Portland, Milwaukie OR, Oak Grove OR, Stark Street Portland, Fairview OR, Happy Valley OR, Gladstone OR, Cedar Mill OR, Tibbetts Street Portland OR, West Linn OR, Aloha OR, Tigard OR, Lake Oswego OR, Tualatin OR, Oregon City OR.