Emergency Eye Care in Pearcy, AR: Scratched Cornea vs. Red Eye

Eye redness, irritation, and discomfort can develop for many reasons, but some symptoms require prompt attention. A scratched cornea and a red eye may initially seem similar, yet they can have very different causes and treatment needs. At Webb Eye Care Associates, we provide eye care in Pearcy, AR to help identify the source of sudden eye symptoms and determine the appropriate next step.

What Does a Scratched Cornea Feel Like?

A scratched cornea, also called a corneal abrasion, occurs when the clear outer surface of the eye is damaged. Fingernails, tree branches, contact lenses, dust, sand, and other foreign objects can cause a scratch.

Because the cornea is highly sensitive, even a small abrasion can be uncomfortable. Symptoms may include pain, excessive tearing, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or the feeling that something is stuck in the eye.

Avoid rubbing the eye or trying to remove an object that appears embedded. An optometrist can examine the cornea, determine the extent of the injury, and recommend treatment to help protect the eye while it heals.

When Is a Red Eye More Than Irritation?

Red eyes are common and can result from allergies, dryness, irritation, infections, contact lens problems, or inflammation. Mild redness without pain or vision changes may not always require emergency eye care. However, redness combined with certain symptoms can signal a more serious eye problem.

Contact an optometrist promptly if you experience:

• Moderate or severe eye pain

• Sudden blurred or decreased vision

• Significant sensitivity to light

• Redness following an eye injury

• Persistent foreign body sensation

• Thick or unusual eye discharge

• Symptoms that worsen instead of improving

An eye examination can help distinguish routine irritation from an infection, corneal injury, inflammation, or another condition that needs treatment.

Scratched Cornea vs. Red Eye

A scratched cornea commonly causes sudden discomfort after something touches or enters the eye. A general red eye may develop gradually and can have many possible causes. Because symptoms can overlap, appearance alone is not always enough to determine what is wrong.

This is especially important for contact lens wearers. Eye pain or significant redness while wearing contacts should be evaluated promptly because certain corneal infections can progress quickly.

Know When Eye Symptoms Are an Emergency

Some eye injuries require immediate medical attention. Chemical exposure, an object penetrating the eye, severe trauma, sudden vision loss, or intense eye pain should not be ignored. If chemicals enter the eye, begin flushing the eye immediately with clean water and seek emergency medical care.

For sudden redness, suspected corneal scratches, eye pain, or other concerning symptoms, schedule an eye evaluation with Webb Eye Care Associates for personalized care. Contact our office in Pearcy, AR, by calling (501) 318-2020 to book an appointment.