Corneal abrasion

Corneal abrasion is a scratch to the surface of the cornea of the eye or it’s the  erosion of the cornea. 

✔ Frequent rubbing of the eyes 

✔ Incomplete eyelid closure 

✔ Inadequate blink reflex 

✔ Inadequate blink rate and/or decreased protective lubrication of the cornea. Most cases are due to minor trauma to the eye such as that which can  occur with contact lens use or from fingernails. About 25% of cases  occur at work. 

Symptoms include  

∙ pain 

∙ redness 

∙ light sensitivity 

∙ Feeling of foreign body is in the eye.  

Most people recover completely within three days.  

Diagnosis: 

Often by slit lamp examination after fluorescein dye has been applied. 

More significant injuries like a corneal ulcer, globe rupture, recurrent erosion  syndrome, and a foreign body within the eye should be ruled out.  

Treatment 

✔ Typically with an antibiotic ointment. 

✔ Paracetamol (acetaminophen), NSAIDs, and eye drops such as cyclopentolate that paralysis the pupil can help with pain.  

If a foreign body is found, it needs to be removed. 

Prevention includes the use of eye protection.