Is there an over-the-counter treatment for scratched cornea?
JAN 04, 2024
Question:
Is there an over-the-counter medicine to use for a scratched cornea?
Answer:
A scratched cornea, also known as a corneal abrasion, can cause patients extreme discomfort, redness, and blurred vision. Antibiotics are used to prevent bacteria from infecting the open wound and causing a corneal ulcer. Unfortunately all antibiotics approved for ophthalmic use are by prescription only in the U.S.
Artificial tears—available over-the-counter and recommended for comfort—will not fight the infection.
This question was originally answered on Apr. 12, 2015.