It can be concerning if your child wakes up complaining about eye pain, persistent redness, or irritation. Two of the most common eye issues are a scratched cornea and pink eye (conjunctivitis). At first glance, they appear similar—both may cause redness, discomfort, and sensitivity. However, a scratched cornea is typically more painful, itchier, and uncomfortable, while pink eye is more likely to cause discharge.
Additionally, a scratched cornea typically results from an injury, while conjunctivitis is an infection, so pinpointing the source can help determine what treatment to pursue. As these conditions require different treatments, you should speak to an optometrist who can recommend the best treatment.
What’s a Cornea? How Can It Get Scratched?
A scratched cornea, or corneal abrasion, can occur when a foreign particle enters your eye. The transparent dome covering your pupil and iris and the cornea can be scraped by debris.
The cornea contains nerve endings; therefore, scratches can feel painful or uncomfortable. The onset of this pain can be immediate, or you may experience delayed symptoms, making it more challenging to determine what caused it.
Why Does My Child’s Eyeball Hurt When They Blink?
A scratched cornea, or corneal abrasion, may occur from several everyday scenarios, such as:
- Rubbing their eyes roughly (especially if dirt or debris is present).
- Accidental contact with sharp objects.
- Wearing contact lenses improperly or for too long.
- Playing in dusty or windy environments without eye protection.
“It Feels Like Something’s on My Eye”
Your child might complain of a sensation that something is in their eye or express the following symptoms:
- A sandy or gritty sensation in your eye
- Eye pain, particularly when blinking
- Sensitivity to light
- Tearing and redness
- Hazy vision
If symptoms persist, it’s crucial to act quickly. Severe scratches left untreated can lead to infections or vision problems.
Corneal Abrasions, Lacerations, and Fungal Keratitis
While there are casual reasons that your cornea may be scratched, there are also varying degrees of corneal injury to be aware of, including:
- Corneal abrasions are superficial scratches and often heal within 24-48 hours with proper care.
- Corneal lacerations are deeper cuts that require professional medical attention and, if untreated, could lead to permanent vision impairment.
- Infectious keratitis or ulcers can develop if fungal spores or bacteria infect your child’s eye, often from organic materials like plant matter.
How to Treat a Scratched Eyeball
Most corneal abrasions heal quickly. If your child’s cornea might be scratched, here’s what to do:
- Keep your child from rubbing their eye, which can worsen the injury.
- Rinse the eye with clean, lukewarm water or saline solution to remove debris.
- Avoid over-the-counter redness-reducing drops unless directed by an eye doctor.
If symptoms persist for more than a few hours, seek medical attention. Antibiotics or specialized ointments may be necessary. Sometimes, a doctor may recommend eye protection with an eye patch but do not do this unprompted.
Prompt care eases discomfort and prevents complications like infection, scarring, or permanent vision changes.
What’s Pink Eye?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a contagious, eye-inflammatory condition characterized by red and watering eyes. The conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer over the whites of the eye, turns pink when it becomes inflamed.
Redness and watering can indicate an infection and an optometrist’s intervention is needed to begin treatment. Identifying conjunctivitis early can help prevent its spread.
Causes of Pink Eye
Pink eye can be caused by:
- Viruses: This type often accompanies colds and spreads quickly between family members.
- Bacteria: Often accompanied by yellow or green discharge.
- Allergies: Linked to triggers like pollen, dust, or pet dander (non-contagious).
Symptoms of Pink Eye
Symptoms of conjunctivitis vary based on whether it’s a viral, bacterial, or allergic strain. However, some commonly shared symptoms include:
- Pink or red irritation in the whites of the eyes
- Swelling of the conjunctiva, the layer that lines the whites of the eyes
- Increased tear production
- Discharge of pus or mucus
- Crusting of the eyelids and eyelashes
- Discomfort wearing contact lenses
- The sensation of a foreign particle in the eye
- Itching, burning or stinging
How Long Can Pink Eye Last on Surfaces?
Pink eye spreads quickly because some bacteria and viruses can live on surfaces for hours to days. To prevent family members from contracting it, cleaning frequently touched items (such as door handles, toys, or bedding) is essential.
How to Treat Pink Eye
The treatment depends on the type of conjunctivitis:
- Viral pink eye: Usually clears up on its own within 7-10 days. Use a warm compress and artificial tears to ease discomfort.
- Bacterial pink eye: Requires antibiotic eye drops or ointment prescribed by a doctor. Symptoms often improve within 24-48 hours of treatment.
- Allergic pink eye: Relieving the allergy trigger is the key. Antihistamine drops can provide relief.
Simple hygiene practices like washing hands frequently and avoiding towel sharing can also help stop the spread.
Scratched Cornea vs. Pink Eye: So, What’s the Difference?
Understanding the differences between a scratched cornea and pink eye is essential for choosing the right treatment. Here’s a quick comparison table for easy reference:
| Feature | Scratched Cornea | Pink Eye |
| Cause | Physical injury or foreign object | Infection (viral/bacterial) or allergens |
| Key Symptom | Pain and feeling of something in the eye | Visible redness and itching, often with discharge |
| Contagious? | No | Yes (except for allergic pink eye) |
| Treatment | Flush eye, seek professional help | Viral heals on its own; bacterial needs antibiotics |
Not sure which issue your child is facing? If eye pain is pronounced, vision is blurred, or discharge continues, it’s time to seek advice from an eye care professional. They’ll examine the eye and provide a tailored treatment plan.
Protect Your Child’s Eye Health
Your child’s eyes are one of the most essential tools for discovering the world, and there’s no such thing as being too cautious when something seems wrong. Red Deer Eye Care / The Eye Care Centre know that prompt attention and care ensure quicker recovery and protect your child’s long-term vision, whether it’s pink eye or a scratched cornea. Contact us today to discuss any concerns about your child’s eye health.
