The cat scratched me in the eye, what should I do? - briefly
Cat scratches to the eye require immediate attention. Rinse the eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical help promptly.
The cat scratched me in the eye, what should I do? - in detail
If a cat has scratched your eye, immediate and proper action is crucial to prevent potential complications, such as infection or vision loss. Cats carry bacteria in their claws, most notably Pasteurella multocida, which can cause severe infections if not treated promptly.
Firstly, do not rub or touch the affected eye, as this can worsen the injury and introduce more bacteria. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to prevent the spread of infection. If available, use clean water or a sterile saline solution to gently rinse the eye for a few minutes. This can help remove any debris or bacteria that may have been introduced by the scratch.
Assess the severity of the injury. If the scratch is superficial and the eye is not excessively red, swollen, or painful, you may be able to manage it at home. However, if the scratch is deep, the eye is very painful, or you experience blurred vision, seek immediate medical attention. Signs of a more serious injury include:
- Severe pain
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
- Visible scratch or abrasion on the eye surface
- Blood in the eye
- Discharge from the eye
If medical attention is not immediately available, you can take the following steps to manage the injury:
- Apply a cold compress to the eye to reduce swelling. Use a clean cloth or gauze soaked in cold water and apply it gently to the affected area for about 10-15 minutes.
- Administer over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to manage pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the package.
- Avoid wearing contact lenses until the eye has healed completely.
- Do not apply any ointments, creams, or eye drops without consulting a healthcare professional.
If the injury is severe or if symptoms worsen, it is essential to seek medical help. A healthcare professional can examine the eye, assess the extent of the damage, and prescribe appropriate treatment. This may include antibiotics to prevent or treat infection, as well as eye drops or ointments to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
In some cases, a deep scratch may require more extensive medical intervention, such as surgery, to repair the damage and prevent long-term complications. Therefore, it is crucial to follow up with an ophthalmologist or an optometrist if the injury is severe or if symptoms persist.
Prevention is always better than cure. To minimize the risk of cat-related eye injuries, it is essential to handle cats gently and avoid provoking them. Keep your cat's nails trimmed and provide appropriate scratching posts to satisfy their natural scratching instincts. Additionally, always wash your hands after handling cats or cleaning their litter boxes to prevent the spread of bacteria.