corneal scratch/herpes infection

Bernie79

Is it possible for the pain from a corneal scratch not to show up until 3-4 days following the injury? I developed severe eye pain on a Tuesday and was diagnosed with a ? corneal scratch/herpes infection. Only cause of a corneal scratch I can determine was being shot in the eye with a water gun at full force by my grandson 3-4 days prior to awakening with eye pain.

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MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

Michael J Kutryb, MD

One last note - a healing corneal abrasion and herpes simplex infection of the cornea can look very similar - so that may confuse the doctor. The good news is that an abrasion will heal very quickly usually.

MJK MD

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MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL

Michael J Kutryb, MD

Usually you would have pain right away. I would go with whatever the ophthalmologist says here. The history is a necessary part of a good exam but can sometimes help and sometimes lead you in the wrong direction. The ophthalmologist will take your history into account but will also need to treat what he sees. Perhaps your pain is more from uveitis due to the contusion which would not come on for a few days. The small abrasion may be a secondary finding.

Michael Kutryb, MD

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