Why Does it Feel Like Something’s in My Eye?

A preventable injury, a critical reminder – the smallest oversight can leave a lasting mark

After Surgery – My Eye Hurts

If you or a family member have ever woken up after surgery and felt like there is grit or sand in your eye, you’re not alone. Corneal Abrasions are one of those unexpected post surgery surprises that no one warns you about, but every nurse recognizes.

The Nursing View

As nurses, we often hear it – “My eye feels like there is something in it.” It’s usually not the anesthesia, nor is it the patient imagining things. There’s a simple (albeit annoying) reason for this experience: a Corneal Abrasion, in other words, a scratch or cut on the surface of the cornea.

Patients will often mention that their eye feels irritated or that something is stuck in it. Nurses may also notice when a patient rubs their eye repeatedly, which is a clear indicator of a possible corneal abrasion.

What’s Really Happening?

The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped protective layer over the eye. One of its main jobs is to shield the eye from injuries, ultraviolet radiation, and infection. In the human body, the cornea is one of the most sensitive tissues, allowing you to instinctively react to anything that could cause further harm.

In my last post, we talked about how anesthesia causes the body to relax, reducing many of its natural reflexes. One of those reflexes that temporarily disappears is the blinking reflex. Because of this, steps are taken in the operating room to protect a patient’s eyes. Doctors may tape a patient’s eyelids closed, use eye patches, or apply ointment to keep the eye moist. Still, despite these precautions, corneal abrasions occasionally occur.

The Risk

There are a number of factors that can lead to a corneal abrasion during surgery. The longer the procedure, the greater the risk – especially if the patient remains in one position for an extended period of time. Surgeries involving the head or neck can also increase the likelihood of an abrasion due to their proximity to the eyes.

Improper placement of equipment, such as an oxygen mask, or incorrect taping of the eyelids or eye patch, can unintentionally irritate or scratch the cornea. Additionally, if an insufficient amount of lubricant is used to keep the eyes moist, the surface of the cornea becomes more vulnerable to injury.

While rare, unprotected eyes during anesthesia can lead to patient complaints and, in some cases, claims. It’s a preventable injury – and documentation matters.

The Takeaway

If you or a family member begin to experience irritation in one or both eyes, it’s important to let your nurse or care team know. Hospitals typically have protocols in place for corneal abrasions, aimed at relieving discomfort and preventing infection. Treatment may include a topical anesthetic, artificial tears and, in some cases, antibiotic ointment. Patients with a corneal abrasion should follow up with an ophthalmologist, especially if symptoms worsen.

Most corneal abrasions heal within a few days, but in the moment, the pain can feel enormous. Protecting the eyes is a small step that prevents big discomforts – and for nurses, it’s one of those quiet details that defines good care.

The Legal Lens

From a medical – legal standpoint, corneal abrasions are often categorized as minor injuries. However, documentation of eye protection and assessments remains key – both during surgery, and in post-op reports.