Soothe eye discomfort

Problem: You've had a corneal scratch or abrasion.

These tiny rips in the cornea -- the clear covering of the eyeball -- are very painful and cause tears, blurred vision and the feeling that there is grit embedded in the eye. You might experience scratches or abrasions caused by sand or dust in your eyes, rubbing your eyes too vigorously, an accidental poke, yard work mishaps or accidents while playing catch with the kids.

Solution: Splash clean water into the affected eye. If there seems to be nothing in it but you still feel discomfort, call your doctor. Treatment usually includes prescription topical antibiotic eyedrops or ointment. Most small abrasions heal within three days.