A particle got into your eye and stuck to the clear part in the front of the eye (cornea). Your health care provider has removed it. Particles like this often scratch the cornea (corneal abrasion). The cornea is very sensitive. It may still hurt for another 1 to 2 days while it heals.
If a metal particle was in your eye, a rust ring may have formed. You may need a second visit for complete removal.
Your provider may have put an eye patch on your eye. But most of the time, eye patches are not used. For several types of injuries to the cornea, they are not advised.
Home care
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You may wear sunglasses to help reduce symptoms while the eye is healing, unless advised otherwise by your health care provider.
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If you use contact lenses, do not use them until your abrasion is completely healed and your provider says it's okay. Using contacts too soon can make the injury worse and cause more severe problems.
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You may use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to control pain, unless another pain medicine was prescribed. Talk with your provider before using these medicines if you have chronic liver or kidney disease, or if you have ever had a stomach ulcer or digestive bleeding
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If eye drops or ointment were prescribed, use as directed.
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If you were given an eye patch:
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Don't leave it in place for more than 24 hours, unless advised otherwise by your provider.
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Always keep your follow-up appointment for patch removal and re-exam. Your eye could be harmed if the patch remains in place longer than advised.
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Don't drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery with the patch in place. You will have trouble judging distances with only one eye.
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Follow-up care
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No eye patch. If no patch was used but the pain continues for more than 48 hours, you should have another eye exam.
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Eye patch. If your eye was patched and you were given an appointment for patch removal and re-exam, don't miss the visit. It could be harmful to your eye if the patch remains in place longer than advised. But if you were asked to remove the eye patch within 24 hours (or as directed by your provider), contact your provider right away if your pain gets worse after removal of the eye patch.
When to get medical advice
Contact your healthcare provider right away if:
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Your eye pain gets worse or does not get better after 24 hours.
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You have discharge from the eye.
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Your eye is red or your eyelids are swollen.
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Your vision gets worse.
