I Was Trying To Tear A Cardboard Box Apart And
Question: I was trying to tear a cardboard box apart and my hand slipped, and the cardboard box poked my eye. After flushing it, putting a cold compress on it, and crying it out a bit, it seems to be doing better. But, it still feels like I have a little something in my eye and it’s slightly blurry. Like I said it’s much better. I also just did some eye drops. Is there anything else I need to do?
It still hurts a little and still feels like I have a little something in my eye, but not unbearable.
Brief Answer:
Possible corneal abrasion
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
It's likely that you have a corneal abrasion - a scratch on the cornea. Depending on the depth and location, these can either be left alone to heal or may need close follow up. If you are continuing to feel like there is something in the eye and blurred vision, I recommend that you go in to either an ER or an urgent care center that has something called a "slit lamp". This is a sort of microscope where you put your head on the chin rest and the doctor looks at your eye. It magnifies the eye and after staining your tears with florescein, the doctor can see the depth of the scratch and the location and make a decision about follow up care. If you go to an urgent care clinic, call them first to make sure they have a slit lamp as not all do, but an ER should.
If it is a superficial scratch, and not in your visual field, it may heal up quite quickly, such as in 24 hours or less. But if it is deeper or in your visual field, then you may need antibiotic drops and to be rechecked for healing.
I hope this information helps.
Possible corneal abrasion
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
It's likely that you have a corneal abrasion - a scratch on the cornea. Depending on the depth and location, these can either be left alone to heal or may need close follow up. If you are continuing to feel like there is something in the eye and blurred vision, I recommend that you go in to either an ER or an urgent care center that has something called a "slit lamp". This is a sort of microscope where you put your head on the chin rest and the doctor looks at your eye. It magnifies the eye and after staining your tears with florescein, the doctor can see the depth of the scratch and the location and make a decision about follow up care. If you go to an urgent care clinic, call them first to make sure they have a slit lamp as not all do, but an ER should.
If it is a superficial scratch, and not in your visual field, it may heal up quite quickly, such as in 24 hours or less. But if it is deeper or in your visual field, then you may need antibiotic drops and to be rechecked for healing.
I hope this information helps.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj