What should I do if the cornea is damaged?

When the cornea is damaged, appropriate measures should be taken according to the severity of the injury. If the corneal damage is a lamellar defect—meaning it does not penetrate the full thickness—conservative treatment may be adopted, such as using anti-inflammatory eye drops and ointments, along with medications that promote corneal epithelial healing. In most cases, healing takes several days to weeks, with minimal impact on vision. However, if the corneal injury involves a full-thickness wound (i.e., a penetrating injury), the contents of the eye may easily leak out through the wound, causing significant visual impairment. In such cases, pressure or rubbing the eye must be avoided, and prompt medical attention is required. Surgical intervention is necessary to suture the wound, flush out and reposition any extruded intraocular contents. Additionally, maintaining good ocular hygiene and avoiding excessive eye strain are important measures to promote corneal recovery.