Love the Oedipus reference -- that's exactly how I felt yesterday.
Thanks for the advice, good thoughts, and sympathy, everyone -- exactly what I needed! I (and my eye) feel much better today...though I had to literally pry it open this morning as it was entirely encrusted with grossness. The pain is basically gone, as are the constant tears and the (pain-induced) runny nose. I bought some drops to keep my eye nice and moist, which has been a big help as well.
I'm a little surprised that so many people seem to have experience with these abrasions, as I'd never heard of it before, really. At least I've learned to treat my eyes a little more carefully.
Prylet and I were at the beach in North Carolina. We drove back to Virginia in a convertible (this little Mazda thing), so I think my eye got scratched with sand or something whipped into the car. The first day it was irritated. The second day I felt like Oedipus.
Glad your eye is doing better.
