I’ve had a number of injuries in my life, but nothing hurt as much as when my grandson accidentally scratched my eye with his fingernail. My eye doctor said it was “just a small scratch” and would heal quickly. Why does such a “small scratch” hurt so much?
Anyone who has experienced such a scratch, or corneal abrasion, can attest to the profuse tearing, light sensitivity, and pain. The highest concentration of nerves in the body exists in the cornea, the clear cap of the eye. Once the surface layer of the eye is disturbed, the underlying corneal nerves are exposed resulting in pain.
Fortunately, corneal abrasions heal very quickly but may require a prophylactic antibiotic drop to prevent infection. Most abrasions heal within a few days at most.
A minority of people may continue to experience recurrent early morning eye symptoms from time to time despite using a recommended eye ointment at night. The surface healing in these cases is unstable. An ophthalmologist can perform a number of interventions, either on-the-spot in the office or as a scheduled laser procedure.
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