Corneal Abrasion

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or injury to the clear, protective outer layer of the eye called the cornea. The cornea plays a crucial role in vision, so any damage to it can be painful and affect your eyesight.

Symptoms

-Eye Pain: A corneal abrasion often causes intense, sharp eye pain. This pain is due to the nerve cells in the cornea

-Redness: The eye may become red and irritated.

-Tearing: Increased tear production is common.

-Sensitivity to Light: You may find bright lights uncomfortable.

-Foreign Body Sensation: It may feel like something is stuck in your eye.

-Blurry Vision: Your vision might be temporarily impaired.

Diagnosis: 

If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention from an eye specialist (ophthalmologist). They will perform an eye examination, which may include the use of special dyes and a slit lamp to identify the abrasion's size and location.

Treatment:

The treatment for a corneal abrasion depends on its severity:

-Preservative-Free Artificial Tears: These help to keep the eye lubricated, promoting healing.

-Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointment: To prevent infection. If you wear contact lens then your doctor may give you a specific type of antibiotic 

-Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be necessary.

-Regular check-ups with your ophthalmologist to monitor healing is recommended 

- Eye patching is not recommended

To prevent corneal abrasions, consider these tips:

-Wear safety goggles or glasses during activities that could result in eye injury, such as working with tools or playing sports.

-If you wear contacts, follow your eye care professional's instructions on cleaning and wearing them.

-Scratching or rubbing your eyes can lead to abrasions.

-When in windy or dusty areas, use eye protection like sunglasses.

-Visit your eye doctor for routine eye exams to catch any eye issues early.

Recovery:

Most corneal abrasions heal within 24- 48 hours with proper treatment and care. It's crucial to follow your ophthalmologist's advice, attend follow-up appointments, and refrain from activities that could worsen the injury during the healing process.

**When to Seek Emergency Care:**

Contact your eye doctor immediately or seek emergency care if:

- You have a severe eye injury or foreign object embedded in your eye.

- The pain and symptoms worsen despite treatment.

- You experience loss of vision or significant changes in vision.

- You notice any signs of infection like pus or increased redness.

Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and promote a faster recovery. If you suspect a corneal abrasion, don't hesitate to seek medical help. Your eye health is important, and timely intervention is key to preserving your vision.

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Wilson SA, Last A. Management of corneal abrasions. Am Fam Physician. 2004 Jul 1;70(1):123-8. PMID: 15259527.

Ahmed F, House RJ, Feldman BH. Corneal Abrasions and Corneal Foreign Bodies. Prim Care. 2015 Sep;42(3):363-75. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2015.05.004. Epub 2015 Jul 31. PMID: 26319343.