Understanding Corneal Abrasion
A corneal abrasion is a painful scratch on the clear front surface of the eye, often requiring prompt medical evaluation to prevent complications. It occurs when the cornea—the transparent, light-bending layer covering the eye—is injured through contact with foreign objects, exposure, or irritation.
What is a Corneal Abrasion?
A corneal abrasion is a superficial scratch or scrape on the cornea, the eye’s clear outer layer, that causes discomfort, pain, and sensitivity to light. It results from damage due to contact with objects like dust particles, fingernails, or contact lenses, and can affect vision temporarily if untreated.
Causes of Corneal Abrasions
- Foreign objects such as dust, sand, or metal shavings
- Ultraviolet light exposure (e.g., from welding or sunlamp use)
- Sports-related eye injuries
- Rubbing eyes vigorously
- Accidental injury during eye surgery
- Chemical irritants contacting the eye
- Dry eye conditions leading to fragile corneal surface
- Improper use of contact lenses causing irritation
Symptoms to Watch For
- Severe eye pain and discomfort
- Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye
- Excessive tearing or watery eyes
- Headache associated with eye strain
- Redness of the eye
- Blurred or reduced vision
- Sensitivity to bright lights (photophobia)
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Professional assessment by an ophthalmologist or eye care specialist is crucial. Diagnosis includes:
- Visual inspection of the eye
- Use of fluorescein dye stains to highlight corneal scratches under a blue light
- Removal of any foreign material on the cornea if present
Treatment & Prevention Options
Management depends on severity and cause. Common approaches include:
- Rinsing the eye gently with sterile saline to remove irritants
- Artificial tears to keep the eye lubricated
- Over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort
- Prescription antibiotic eye drops or ointments to prevent infection
- Temporary eye patching in some cases to promote healing
- Advising avoidance of eye rubbing to prevent worsening injury
Most corneal abrasions heal within a few days without lasting damage. In rare, severe cases, surgical options such as corneal transplantation may be considered.
Preventive measures include wearing protective eyewear during activities with potential eye hazards.
Why Choose Bellevue Eye Care
At Bellevue Eye Care, patients receive comprehensive, professional care for corneal abrasions with access to advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans.
- Experienced board-certified ophthalmologists
- State-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnosis
- Patient-focused approach ensuring comfort and education
- Prompt scheduling and efficient follow-up to monitor healing
- Customized prevention strategies to minimize future risks