A corneal abrasion is an agonizing scratch or cut on the corneal surface or front part of the eye. It is important to note that a corneal abrasion is usually due to trauma to the eye surface. Even though there are 5 layers in the cornea, an abrasion only affects the upper layer or epithelium.
What are the causes?
Once an object strikes the eye, it can lead to a corneal abrasion. The usual causes include the following:
- Dust or dirt particles that enter the eye
- A pointed edge of a tree branch or plant stem that strikes the eye
- Excessive rubbing of the eye
- Foreign body that is embedded beneath the eyelid
Other symptoms that can manifest include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, sandy or gritty sensation, feeling of a foreign body and eye redness. - Eyelashes that grow in the wrong direction
- Floating particles from a saw or other machinery
- Eye conditions such as severe dry eye syndrome
- Infant or toddler putting his/her finger with long fingernails into the eye of his/her parent
What are the indications of a corneal abrasion?
If an individual has a corneal abrasion, he/she is under intense pain. Other symptoms that can manifest include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, sandy or gritty sensation, feeling of a foreign body and eye redness.
In most cases, there is difficulty in keeping the eye open and doing so can trigger excessive tearing.
Diagnosis
If an individual is suspected with corneal abrasion, it is vital to seek medical care right away. Remember that this is similar to a skinned knee which is an open wound that provides an entry point for bacteria to enter and trigger infection.
The doctor will check the eye under a slit lamp in which a specialized stain or dye is used to highlight the eyes for any issues with the surface of the cornea.
An abrasion will soak up the stain which reveals the location and depth of the injury. The eyelid might be upturned to assess for any presence of foreign matter that might be deep in eye.
Management
The treatment for corneal abrasion varies depending on its severity. For large-sized abrasions, the doctor will insert a bandage contact lens to conceal the affected cornea and hasten the healing.
Numbing eye drops are oftentimes readily used. Dependent on the degree of pain, the doctor might prescribe an optic non-steroidal inflammatory drops or pain medication that is taken orally.