Last Updated on February 8, 2023 by theworldofsleepstaff
Have you ever woken up with a scratchy, irritated eye? Maybe you slept on your contact lens wrong, or you got something in your eye during the night. Whatever the cause, it can be uncomfortable!
But what about sleeping with a scratched eye?
If you have a scratched eye, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. A scratched eye can lead to infection, so it’s best not to take any chances. Always see your doctor.
However this article will give tips on sleeping with a scratched eye to try and ensure you don’t worsen the situation. Although we share tips here, as always, you must consult your doctor and ask their opinion about what is right for you, as every individual case differs.
CONTENTS:
- Signs That You May Have A Scratched Eye
- How Do I Know If I Scratched My Cornea?
- When Should I Worry About A Scratched Eye?
- How To Sleep With A Scratched Eye: Top 14 Ways That Can Help
- How To Prevent A Scratched Eye: Taking Safety Precautions
- How To Sleep With A Scratched Eye: Common FAQs
- Our Final Thoughts
Signs That You May Have A Scratched Eye
1. Pain
The most common symptom of a scratched eye is pain. It may feel like something is stuck in your eye or like you have an eyelash stuck under your lid. The pain may be mild or severe and can worsen if you try to rub your eye.
2. Redness
Another common symptom of a scratched eye is redness. The white part of your eye (the sclera) may become red and bloodshot. You may also see some redness in the inner part of your eyelid.
3. Tearing
Tearing is another common symptom of a scratched eye. This is because your body is trying to flush out the irritant causing the problem.
4. Sensitivity To Light
You may also be sensitive to light if you have a scratched eye. This is because the scratch can make the surface of your eye very tender and painful.
How Do I Know If I Scratched My Cornea?
There are a few tell-tale signs that you may have scratched your cornea. These include:
-Sudden onset of pain in the eye
-Tearing or excessive blinking
-Sensitivity to light
-Redness in the eye
-Feeling like there is something in the eye
You must see an eye doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms. They will be able to examine your eye and determine if you have a corneal abrasion.
When Should I Worry About A Scratched Eye?
In most cases, a scratched eye is not a serious problem and will heal on its own within a few days. However, there are some situations when you should seek medical attention right away.
If you have a corneal abrasion, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible. This is because a corneal abrasion can lead to an infection.
If you have any other symptoms, such as severe pain, vision changes, or increased sensitivity to light, you should also see an eye doctor immediately. These could be signs of a more severe problem, such as a detached retina.
How To Sleep With A Scratched Eye: Top 14 Ways That Can Help
In the meantime, though, there are a few things you can do to help ease the discomfort and get some rest. Here are 14 tips on how to sleep with a scratched eye:
1. Put A Cold Compress On Your Eye
One of the best things you can do for a scratched eye is to put a cold compress on it. This will help to reduce the swelling and pain. However, ensure you don’t put the compress on your eye, as this could worsen the pain.
You can also try using a bag of frozen peas or corn wrapped in a towel. Ensure not to put it on too long, as this could cause frostbite.
2. Put A Warm Compress On Your Eye
If a cold compress doesn’t seem to be helping, you can try a warm compress instead. This can help to loosen up any debris that may be stuck in your eye.
Ensure not to put the compress on for too long, as this could cause burns. The compress should never be hot, but instead warm.
3. Try Using Artificial Tears
If your eyes are dry and irritated, artificial tears can help to lubricate them and make them feel better. Just be sure to use a sterile product and not touch the bottle’s tip to your eye.
Many drugstores and supermarkets sell artificial tears, so you should be able to find them easily.
4. Blinking Exercises
Blinking helps to keep your eyes lubricated and can also help to flush out any irritants that may be in them. So, if you’re awake and your eyes are bothering you, try doing some blinking exercises.
Please close your eyes tightly for a few seconds, open them wide and blink a few times. Repeat this several times, and you should start to feel some relief.
5. Try Not To Rub Your Eye
It can be tempting to rub your eye when it’s scratchy and irritating, but this is one of the worst things you can do. Rubbing can damage the eye further and make the pain worse.
So, resist the urge to rub your eye if you can. Instead, use artificial tears or a cold compress to help ease the irritation.
6. Keep Your Eye Clean
It’s essential to keep your eye clean if you have a scratch to help prevent infection. So, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before you touch your eye.
You should also take contacts out and clean them thoroughly if you wear them. And, if you use makeup, remove it before you go to bed.
What you don’t want to happen is for the irritant to get trapped under your eyelid and cause even more irritation.
7. Protect Your Eye From Further Irritants
If you have a scratch on your eye, you’ll want to do everything you can to protect it from further irritants. So, if you’re outside, make sure to wear sunglasses.
And, if you’re going to be around smoke or other fumes, wear a mask. You may also want to avoid using cleaning products or perfumes that could irritate your eye.
8. Try Not To Sleep On The Side With The Injured Eye
If you’re trying to sleep with a scratched eye, it’s best not to sleep on the side with the injured eye. This is because you don’t want to put any pressure on the eye or irritate it further.
Instead, try sleeping on your back or the other side. This will help to keep your eye protected and avoid any further irritation.
9. Use A Pillow To Prop Up Your Head
If you’re having trouble sleeping because of the pain, you may want to try propping up your head with a pillow. This will help take some of the pressure off your eye and make it feel more comfortable.
Of course, you don’t want to prop your head up too high, which could strain your neck. Just a couple of pillows should do the trick.
10. Take Pain Relievers If Necessary
If the pain is terrible and you can’t seem to get it under control, you may want to take a pain reliever. Just be sure not to use anything that could further irritate your eye, such as aspirin.
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen should help to ease the pain and help you get some rest. Just be sure to follow the package’s directions and not take more than the recommended dosage. Asking a doctor for advice is always recommended.
11. Dim The Lights
If the light is bothering your eye, you may want to try dimming the lights. This will help reduce the amount of stimulation your eye gets and make it feel more comfortable.
You can do this by closing the curtains or blinds in your room or turning off any bright lamps. Just be sure not to make the room too dark, as this could worsen the pain.
12. See Your Doctor If The Pain Is Severe
If the pain from your scratched eye is severe, or if you notice any vision changes, it’s essential to see your doctor immediately. These could be signs of a more severe problem, and you’ll want to get it checked out as soon as possible.
13. See Your Doctor If The Pain Doesn’t Go Away
If the pain from your scratched eye doesn’t go away after a few days, or if it worsens, you should also see your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a more vital medication to help ease the pain.
What’s important is that you get the problem checked out, so it doesn’t become more serious.
14. See Your Doctor If You Have Any Vision Changes
You should see your doctor immediately if you notice any vision changes, such as blurred vision or trouble seeing in low light. These could be signs of a more severe problem, and you’ll want to get it checked out as soon as possible.
How To Prevent A Scratched Eye: Taking Safety Precautions
Preventing a scratched eye is essential, as this can lead to severe complications. Here are some tips:
Wear protective eyewear when participating in activities that could cause an eye injury, such as contact sports or using power tools.
Never rub your eyes, even if they feel itchy or irritated.
Be careful when using cosmetics, including contact lenses and eye makeup. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you have a scratched eye, seek medical attention immediately.
How To Sleep With A Scratched Eye: Common FAQs
Should I Keep My Eye Closed If It’s Scratched?
It is essential to keep the eye clean and protected from further injury. Depending on the severity of the scratch, your doctor may recommend that you keep your eye closed for some time. This will help to prevent further damage and allow the eye to heal.
Can I Put Anything On My Eye If It’s Scratched?
You should not put any ointments, creams, or other products on your eye unless directed to do so by your doctor. These products can cause further irritation and may delay healing.
If you wear contact lenses, you should not put them back in your eye until the scratch has healed.
What Should I Do If I Think My Eye Is scratched?
If you think you have a scratched eye, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. A scratched eye can lead to more severe problems, such as infection if it is not treated promptly.
Your doctor will examine your eye and may recommend that you use artificial tears or a sterile ointment to help with the pain and healing. You may also need to take measures to prevent further injury, such as wearing an eye patch or avoiding activities that could cause more trauma to your eye.
Does Ice Help A Scratched Eye?
It can help to soothe the pain and inflammation associated with a scratched eye. You can make an ice pack by wrapping ice cubes in a clean cloth or paper towel. Apply the ice pack to your eye for 15-20 minutes.
How Long Does It Take Scratched Eyes To Heal?
Most scratches will heal on their own within a few days. However, more severe scratches may require treatment and take longer to heal.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between A Scratch Eye And A Pink Eye?
A scratched eye will typically cause pain, redness, and tearing. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an infection that causes redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye.
Pink eyes can also cause discharge and crusting around the eyelashes. You should see your doctor determine the cause of any of these symptoms.
Can A Scratched Eye Heal Without Treatment?
If you have a scratched eye, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A scratched eye can become infected, and an infection can lead to severe vision problems if not treated properly.
If you have a minor scratch on your eye, it will likely heal on its own without treatment. However, if the scratch is more severe, you may need an antibiotic ointment or drops to help prevent infection. You should also avoid wearing contact lenses until the eye has fully healed.
How To Sleep With A Scratched Eye: Our Final Thoughts
A scratched eye can be painful and irritating, but there are things you can do to ease the pain and help the healing process. Just be sure to see your doctor if the pain is severe or if you have any vision changes.
With some simple self-care, you should be able to get relief from a scratched eye.
Do you have any tips for how to sleep with a scratched eye? If so, let us know!