(HealthDay News) -- Carelessly handled contact lenses, a low-hanging tree branch or a fingernail used to relieve an itch can scratch the eye's cornea, resulting in what is called a corneal abrasion.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to reduce your risk of this injury:

• Wear goggles when near machinery that could injure your eyes.
• Cut your fingernails regularly.
• Trim low-hanging tree branches.
• Clean your contact lenses properly each day, and be careful when placing them on your eye.
• Always take contact lenses out before going to sleep.