Corneal abrasions are scratches to the surface of the cornea of the eye

This common eye injury creates an open wound that increases your risk of a serious eye infection
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

AS SEEN IN

Corneal abrasions can be very uncomfortable

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THIS CONDITION AND HOW TO TREAT IT

Corneal abrasions incidence / prevalence

The cornea is the clear, outer window of the eye. A corneal abrasion is simply a scratch in the epithelium (skin of the eye), or the thin, outer layer of the cornea. Abrasions usually heal in a short time period, sometimes within hours. Deeper or larger scratches may take up to a week. The cornea has a tremendous number of nerve endings, which makes any damage to the cornea very painful.

Symptoms of corneal abrasions

  • History of a recent eye trauma
  • Watery eyes
  • Acute pain
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurry vision
  • The feeling that there’s something in your eye
  • Twitching eyelid

Corneal abrasions are often caused by:

  • Foreign body in the eye
  • Contact lenses
  • Chemicals
  • Scratched eye (fingernails, hairbrushes, tree branches, etc.)
  • Welder’s flash

Your eye doctor can identify corneal abrasions by examining your eyes with magnifying instruments.

Your doctor will check your eye, including under your eyelid, to make sure there are no foreign materials present. The doctor may use fluorescein dye to help locate and identify the corneal abrasions.

A corneal abrasion is simply a scratch on the outer layer of the cornea.

Corneal abrasions are treated by either patching the eye or by placing a bandage contact lens on the eye. The doctor will use antibiotic ointment or drops to prevent infection. Small abrasions heal within several hours while large abrasions may take several days.

Do corneal abrasions cause permanent scarring?

Superficial corneal abrasions heal without scarring. However, deeper abrasions may leave some scarring.

Will corneal scars affect my vision?

If the corneal scar is directly in the line of sight, vision may be affected. More peripheral corneal scars do generally not affect vision.

Gain peace of mind in 3 easy steps

WE’LL HELP YOU RESOLVE YOUR EYE CONCERNS AND GET BACK TO ENJOYING LIFE

Contact us

Give us a call on (717) 657-2020 or book an appointment online. Our warm and friendly team are here to guide you every step of the way.

We’ll meet

Visit our office in Harrisburg for an assessment that will give you a complete understanding of your treatment options.

Enjoy peace of mind

In no time at all, you’ll have everything under control and will be able to resume life as normal – free from any worrying eye conditions

Do you have a worrying eye problem?

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be concerning. Book an appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease

Book an appointment

Get relief from your eye problem

Discover if eye treatment can give you peace of mind

My eyes feel dry, gritty and irritated

Whether you’re working on your laptop, driving to the shops or simply catching up with friends, dry eyes can be not only painful and a nuisance but can lead to more serious eye damage long term. Click here to learn more and protect your eyes…

I’ve been diagnosed with a worrying eye condition

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a worrying eye condition like open angle glaucoma, narrow angle glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration then you’ll want to see an expert as soon as possible. Click here to learn more about your eye condition and then book an appointment.

Mine (or my child’s) eyes are pink, uncomfortable or crossed

Red, inflamed or gunky eyes can indicate an infection. Click here to relieve your eyes.

Another common concern we see mostly in children is strabismus (also called crossed eyes). Click here to find out why you need to address your child’s crossed or lazy eyes as soon as possible.

“I had no idea it would make such a huge difference to my life”

Thousands of happy patients in Central PA

we help PEOPLE IN AND AROUND THE HARRISBURG COMMUNITY LIVE IT UP WITH BETTER VISION

My wait time was minimal and I was pleased to note the furniture arrangement for social distancing and the sanitation practices in progress. All in all it was a much more relaxing experience than I anticipated and I was impressed by the procedures taken to assure safe practices for the safety of the patients and staff while reducing stress on the patients.

C.J.S.

The doctor and his staff made my cataract surgeries a ‘piece of cake’. I have been coming here since I moved to Harrisburg 37 years ago. Dr. Chotiner performed cataract six years ago and my sight is as good as it was when I was young. As long as the light is reasonable, I do not even need over the counter reading glasses.

Claire B.

I was well taken care of. They took good care of my things. Dr. Erik Chotiner did an excellent job. I am so happy to see quite clearly with my eye that has macular degeneration.

S.D.H.

Very happy with all the staff, from check in, check out and nursing in pre op. Amazing. Very clean facility. Dr. Chotiner is so efficient and fast. Would recommend him to everyone.

Vey L.

Excellent care and personal attention are provided at Memorial Eye. Hats off to Dr. E. Chotiner, nurses and staff for making my experience there so great!

Q. B.

I had cataract surgery and correction of an astigmatism. In one word……excellent!

Ray J.

As a rookie having my first visit at Memorial Eye in May 2020, I asked for a doctor that was patient and that is exactly what I got in Dr. Kowalski. He took his time and explained my options to me. My testing was extensive and thorough. The staff was very kind and made me feel relaxed during the surgery. A 5 star rating from beginning to end. Well done!

J.E.R.

I am a first time patient at your practice. Everyone was so nice and knowledgeable. Overall it was a great experience. I did not realize how bad my vision was. I am amazed! The get well flowers were a nice touch!

J.B.

The staff and doctor were very accommodating. Always on time, if not earlier with appointments. The surgical staff was very attentive to any needs such as extra blankets if needed, and making sure you were comfortable while you waited for your surgery.

Pam C

First time in 78 years I can see well without prescription lenses! I was apprehensive to have any elective surgery during the pandemic with my age and health history. The staff sensed it and made an effort to deal with it very professionally.

W.H.R.

Wonderful practice with kind and supportive employees. The doctors are top notch and excellent!

A. Hendrix

I had my surgery done for a cataract and to correct my astigmatism. I can see better out of the eye that Dr Chotiner performed surgery on without the need for a corrective lens than I can see out of the other eye with my glasses on. The surgery was delayed because of the whole Covid virus closings, but when it was performed it went incredibly well and I could not be happier with the results.

Robin

I was somewhat jittery about returning to the office after the COVID restrictions were lifted. My concerns were put to rest from the moment I stepped through the door and was greeted by an associate who took my temperature, asked pertinent questions, and offered hand sanitizer, as well as being very friendly. The check in and co-pay payment went equally as smoothly.

C.J.S.

My care for cataract removal was superb. The team in the surgical suite was very organized, efficient, and caring. Their expertise was so excellent. Everyone who works there was very skillful in their work and courteous. Dr. Chotiner is kind and extremely skilled. He was outstanding!

M.V.

Surgery was quick and easy. Staff was very pleasant. Would recommend Dr. Chotiner very highly.

Patricia Scheidler

Service is very complete and professional. Dr. Erik Chotiner was very friendly and able to answer all of my questions. I am very pleased with service and will recommend.

A. Lawrence

I am so glad the doctor suggested LRI with my cataract surgery. I had never heard of it but it is amazing how my astigmatism is dissipating slowly and it is the reason I started wearing glasses 30 years ago! Even working around pandemic guidelines everyone is polite and cooperates as a team.

A.A.N.

I would recommend Memorial Eye Institute and Dr. Erik Chotiner for their expertise. They are all very professional and caring for their patients. It was an excellent experience.

Joyce K.

I cannot thank Dr. Chotiner and his staff enough for what they have done for me. I had LASIK here 16 years ago and that was a life changing event for me. Prior to that, my vision was always poor and then (after surgery) it was great. Now I have cataracts and once again, getting the first eye done was a life changing experience.

Richard B.

I was very pleased with the efficiency and professionalism of the staff. You have a well oiled team. Everyone is very thorough. Thanks Dr. Rick and staff.

M.A.B.

I am so happy at how good I can see now. Everyone was very professional and efficient. I feel my Dr is one of the best. I wouldn’t go to anyone else. Every one there was just great. Thank you so much.

Glenn C.

We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

Insurers

OUR MEDICALLY-NECESSARY EYE TREATMENTS ARE assured by
theSE private medical insurance COMPANIES

Academic resources on corneal abrasions & erosion

FOLLOW THE LINKS BELOW TO DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THIS TREATMENT FROM AUTHORITATIVE SOURCES

Corneal abrasion and erosion

A corneal abrasion is a scratch, scrape on the surface of your cornea. Fingernails, makeup brushes and tree branches are common culprits of corneal abrasions. Some other causes of corneal abrasion are rubbing your eye and having very dry eyes. Click here to read on.

The CMGs are guidelines on the diagnosis and management of a range of common and rare, but important, eye conditions that present with varying frequency in primary and first contact care. Click here to read on.

The purpose of this study is to comprehensively review the literature regarding recurrent corneal erosion (RCE) and to present treatment options and recommendations for management. Click here to read on.

Voted “Simply the Best” by the Harrisburg community

We are honoured to have received the following community awards

Affiliations and memberships

We’re proud to be members of these prestigious professional organisations

Do you have a worrying eye problem?

We understand that any issue with your eyes can be concerning. Book an appointment today, and we’ll help you get to the bottom of your issue and put your mind at ease

Book an appointment

Recognized leaders in Harrisburg eye surgery

CHOOSE THE MOST EXPERIENCED CATARACT AND LASIK SPECIALISTS IN CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

Dr. Bennett Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

MEDICAL DIRECTOR, GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Dr. Bennett Chotiner is the founder and medical director of Memorial Eye Institute. A noted innovator, in 1977 he established his clinical practice, the Pennsylvania Eye Associates. In 1984, he established the Pennsylvania Eye Surgery Center, Pennsylvania’s first …

Learn more >

Dr. Erik A Chotiner
M.D., F.A.C.S.

GENERAL OPHTHALMOLOGY, CATARACT & REFRACTIVE SURGERY, LASIK SURGERY

Erik Chotiner, M.D. diagnoses and treats a wide range of medical eye conditions. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Franklin and Marshall College. Dr. Chotiner attended Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia where he received multiple awards including the Physiology Prize for …

Learn more >

Dr. Richard M. Kowalski
Dr. Richard M. KowalskiO.D
Dr. Kowalski is a specialist in comprehensive eye care, refractive surgery consultations and contact lenses…

Learn more >

Dr. Kenneth H. Levin
Dr. Kenneth H. LevinM.D.
Dr. Levin is a specialist in cataract surgery, glaucoma and general ophthalmology

Learn more >

Dr. Bradford K. Sgrignoli
Dr. Bradford K. SgrignoliD.O
Dr. Sgrignoli is a specialist in retina and vitreous disease & surgery, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy…

Learn more >

Dr. Michael J. Silvetti
Dr. Michael J. SilvettiO.D
Dr. Silvetti is a specialist in comprehensive eye care, refractive surgery consultations, contact lenses and low vision consultations…

Learn more >

Dr. Katherine Won
Dr. Katherine WonO.D
Dr. Won is a specialist in comprehensive eye care and contact lenses…

Learn more >