What is corneal abrasion?

Definition

What is corneal abrasion?

Corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea due to a foreign body. Keep in mind that the cornea is a transparent liquid layer outside the eyeball, which acts as a "shield", along with the vitreous and retina focusing the light from the image toward the retina within the eyeball. These foreign bodies, such as dust, sand grains, small insects, can enter the eye and cling to the cornea. If not properly treated, this disease can cause permanent corneal damage.

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How common is corneal abrasion?

Corneal abrasion is a condition that can occur suddenly at all ages and during normal activities such as sports driving vehicles, fixing things, or even accidentally hitting the cornea. You can limit the disease by reducing risk factors. Always consult a doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of corneal abrasion?

Mostly, if there is a foreign object inside the cornea, the eyes will be red, painful and sensitive to light. Vision may become blurred for a while. The signs that you are experiencing corneal abrasion are:

Eyes heated up, irritated, sore, flushed or watery

Vision is disrupted;

The muscles around the eyes keep moving.

Some other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel anxious about the symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

When a foreign object is caught in the eye, see a doctor for the best treatment.

children: contact a pediatrician if the child has vision problems, eye pain, reddened or watery eyes

adult: see a doctor if you can not take a foreign object from within the eye or feel the eye protruding despite having thrown a foreign object inside the eye, or blurred vision, bloody eyes

Doctors will guide and provide care to prevent sudden abrasion of the cornea.

Cause

What causes corneal abrasion?

There are many causes of sudden abrasion of the cornea. Foreign objects that fly or stick in the eye are the main causes of corneal abrasion. Foreign bodies such as dust, old sand particles attached to the eyelids can scratch the cornea while winking. Cigarette smoke, wearing contact lenses for too long, rubbing the eyes or direct contact with sunlight can also cause corneal abrasion.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for corneal abrasion?

The chances of scratched cornea or foreign objects flying into the eye become higher if you:

wearing contact lenses

working in smoke-filled environments such as wood shops, textile factories, without wearing protective goggles

living in sandy or contaminated places

playing sports like baseball, basketball

Medication & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

What are my treatment options for corneal abrasion?

Doctors can offer suitable treatment based on wound status on the eyes and foreign body type. Usually, your doctor will use eye drops or ointments containing steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and prevent corneal scratches. You may be advised to use antispasmodic eye drops to relieve pain and reduce muscle irritation. If foreign objects get too deep, you may have surgery.

What are the usual tests for corneal abrasion?

The doctor will diagnose by observing the eye specialist with special equipment. You may need eye drops that contain biological pigments for small eyes, which help doctors analyze corneal injuries more easily and accurately.

Treatment at home

What are the lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to deal with corneal abrasion?

• If the cornea is scratched, you should maintain the routine below for more effective treatment:
• Use eye drops and ointments as directed, and medicines from your doctor.
• Always rest your eyes after working for a long time.
• Tell your doctor if your eyes are sore, irritation or corneal condition worsens.
• Always wear protective goggles when working.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution of your problem.