Corneal Abrasion

A scratch on the eyeball is a very painful experience , as anyone who has had a corneal abrasion can testify Corneal epithelial abrasions can be small or large, but they usually heal without serious sequelae. Contact with dust, dirt, sand, wood shavings, metal particles or even an edge of a piece of paper can scratch or cut the cornea. But while they are healing they can cause excessive tearing, redness, blurred vision and light sensitivity. Other common injuries to the cornea include splash accidents contact with chemicals ranging from antifreeze to household cleaners. The conjunctival response to corneal wounding has been known since Mann first observed that peripheral corneal abrasions heal by the sliding of limbal cells to cover the epithelial defect Treatment of corneal abrasion is simplicity itself: usually a little antibiotic ( ointment or drops ) is prescribed. An antibiotic may be used following an abrasion because the open area of the epithelium invites infection. In addition, a bandage contact lens may be applied or the eye patched for additional pain relief. A fluorescein stain of the eyes of the baby who won't stop crying may show a scratch caused by a too long, sharp little fingernail rubbed accidentally in the eye as the baby roots around. Sometimes the surface of the cornea is treated with a special instrument in order to help form better connections between the corneal layers.

A corneal abrasion usually occurs due to minor trauma of the ocular surface. This clear tissue of the eye is known as the cornea. It is diagnosed by history ("I got something in my eye and boy it hurts!") and an exam of the eye using a harmless yellow dye (fluorescein) illuminated in a dark room with an ultraviolet light. Usually the scratch is superficial, and this is called a corneal abrasion. An antibiotic may be used following an abrasion because the open area of the epithelium invites infection. However, if one covers more than one-third of the cornea, it may take an extra day or two for the epithelium to completely recover the front of the cornea. Small abrasions may be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye-drops for pain relief, with or without topical antibiotics . Larger corneal abrasions are usually treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye-drops and topical antibiotics. Typically, an anesthetic is used in the eye doctor's office to ease the pain and to aid in the examination. Minor corneal abrasions thus treated will heal semi-miraculously overnight; deeper abrasions may take a day or two longer. Antibiotic drops are probably in order, and perhaps patching if it really seems to help. Spontaneous corneal abrasions may be associated with map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy or recurrent corneal erosion syndrome . Extended use of bedtime ointments or lubricants may also help in preventing recurrent erosions.

Causes of Corneal-abrasion

The common Causes of Corneal-abrasion :

Injury (eg, fingers, fingernails, paper, mascara brushes, tree branches, self-inflicted rubbing, pepper-spray exposure, automotive frontal air bags)
Blowing dust, sand, or debris
Rigid contact lenses may break or chip, causing punctate epithelial keratopathy.
A foreign body, such as a piece of sand or wood, may lodge under the upper lid and cause scratches of the corneal surface every time that you blink.
A common cause of a corneal abrasion is a young child accidentally poking you in the eye.
Exposure of the unprotected eye to ultraviolet light from sun lamps or welding arcs can cause changes in the corneal surface resembling corneal abrasions.
A fingernail, tree branch, or other object scratching the eye
Not protecting the eyes during surgery (The cornea dries when under general anesthesia and you
Underlying medical conditions are other medical conditions that may possibly cause Corneal abrasion.
Keratitis or keratoconjunctivitis - Diffuse punctate fluorescein staining of the cornea, with or without conjunctivitis

Symptoms of Corneal-abrasion

Some common Symptoms of Corneal-abrasion :

Tearing of the eyes
Blurred vision or loss of vision
Eye pain when exposed to a bright light
Sensitivity to light
The surround eye appears red, with prominent small blood vessels.
A feeling that a foreign object is in your eye
Scratch on cornea
Watery eye

Treatment of Corneal-abrasion

Corneal injuries produced by organic matter or dirt, as well as those associated with tissue necrosis and those associated with entrance of dirt or organic material into the conjunctival sac, should be considered dirty (ie, tetanus-prone) injuries and require boosters within 5 years.
Patients must be informed about the signs and symptoms, such as foreign-body sensation, conjunctival injection, and decreasing vision, so that complications can be treated promptly.
You can also fill a sink with water and plunge your head into the water with your eyes open.
Over-the-counter artificial tears or lubricants may improve the discomfort in your eye.
You can also fill a sink with water and plunge your head into the water with your eyes open.
Avoid contact lenses
Antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection
If there is any evidence of rusty metallic deposits within the injured cornea, your ophthalmologist may recommend a tetanus vaccination if your immunization status is not up-to-date.

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