Antihistamine Drops and Corneal Abrasion

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
Is it OK to apply my antihistamine eye drops in my eye when I have a scratched eyeball?

Answer:
A scratched eyeball (corneal abrasion) is treated with antibiotic coverage, sometimes a therapeutic contact lens, rarely with patching and occasionally with anti-pain medications. These heal rapidly and most do very well.  There is no particular activation of the allergic response in this condition which is a type of trauma. You could apply antihistamine drops but why do so? If you are having allergy in the eyes (usually both) you can apply these drops without a problem regarding the healing of the abrasion.

Answered by: Richard Bensinger, MD

Categories: Eye Injuries

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