Seems like along time to me as well. I burned my entire cornea with a curling iron (was curling my bangs, curling iron was "stuck" in my hair, I pulled to get it out and your natural reaction when you pull is that it jerks back as well...you sotra can't help yourself apparently?? and my curling iron went right into my entire eye ball). It hurt soo so bad. I could not open my eye at all until I got to the ER and they numbed it, and even that was difficult.
They gave me meds for it, patched it and I could not drive for several days, then it was fine. Eyes heal incredibly fast I was told. I went back for a recheck a week later and it was all fine, just stayed on antibiotics for a few more days.
Both my hubby and brother have had metal pieces and shavings and wood splinters removed from their eyes, along with many scratches (related to working in the auto body industry and various home projects and NOT wearing eye protection when younger) and they always heal within a week or so. Amazing!
I would definately seek further medical attention!!