The cornea is the front layer of your eye, a transparent membrane. Corneal damage is the most common eye damage.
Corneal damage can occur in various ways, for example by sand in your eye, rubbing the eye hard, a sharp nail or a branch. Usually the damage occurs immediately after something gets in your eye, so the cause is immediately clear. Contact lenses can increase the risk of corneal damage.
Damage to your eye is best assessed and treated by a doctor. With proper treatment, it usually recovers within a week. In the beginning, your eye is still fragile and it is advisable to be extra careful not to rub your eyes. Your eye may be extra susceptible to infection during recovery. Sometimes the eye is covered to protect it. Follow your doctor's instructions to avoid infection.
