Aftercare

• Oral NSAIDs for pain relief.
• Avoid rubbing the eye to prevent further damage.
• Avoid use of contact lenses until symptoms have resolved.
• Small corneal abrasions are self-limited and typically heal within 24-48 hours.
• Avoid use of eye patches as they slow healing and cause blurred vision; evidence shows lack of proven benefit.

Follow-up

• Consider daily follow-up for large corneal ulcers due to increased risk of secondary bacterial infection.
• Return if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours.
• Return if symptoms continue to worsen in the initial 24-48 hours.
• Pediatric patients who are unwilling to open their eye after 24 hours should be referred to ophthalmology.

Patient Education Handout – Foreign Body of the Eye