What should I do if sand gets in my eye in Egypt and it hurts to blink?

From messages by 2 participants in 1 source · Last activity: 32 days ago

TL;DR

Seek an ophthalmologist urgently if your eye hurts after sand exposure: it could be a corneal scratch or an infection, which need different treatment. Hyaluronic-acid lubricating drops may provide temporary comfort but are not a substitute for an examination.

What the community said

If blinking is painful or the eye continues to hurt after sand exposure, see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. A corneal injury and an infection cannot be reliably distinguished without an exam, and they require different treatment.

32 days ago Ophthalmologist

For temporary lubrication, hyaluronic-acid eye drops in roughly 0.15–0.4% concentration were suggested. A mid-range strength may feel more comfortable, since thicker drops can briefly blur vision.

32 days ago Hyaluronic acid 0.15–0.4%

Do not self-select allergy drops or antibiotics. Pain after sand exposure may come from a scratch, which may need healing treatment, or from an infection, for which a clinician may prescribe antibiotics.

34 days ago Allergy drops and antibiotics