We at Tandon Eye Hospital offer a well-developed infrastructure and facilities to deal with all kinds of eye issues and problems related to eye care. Among these corneal abrasions is very common that people often undergo, it is a scratch or injury to the surface of the cornea, that clear layer at the front of your eye. This type of injury is not usually serious; however, it can be pretty painful, if not treated, and might be complicated.
Here are some frequently asked questions related to corneal abrasions, and their causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention, so you’re all equipped and prepared to take good care of your eyes.
What is a Corneal Abrasion?
A corneal abrasion is a scratch or tear in the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. The epithelium is the surface layer of the cornea, which is the outermost of the five layers that make up the cornea. Though corneal abrasions are often minor injuries, they should not be taken lightly because untreated or severe abrasions can lead to further complications, such as infections and vision problems.
Corneal abrasions are also described in medical language as “scratched eye” or “scratched cornea”.
Causes of Corneal Abrasions
Incidents that cause corneal abrasions range from minor accidents or irritants. Common causes include the following:
● Foreign bodies in the eye: Dust, dirt, sand, or small particles like metal or wood may scratch the cornea.
● Contact lenses: Poorly fitting contact lenses, using expired lenses, or poor hygiene when handling contact lenses can contribute to abrasions.
● Physical trauma: Scratching your eye with your fingernail or other sharp objects, such as makeup brushes or applicators, can lead to injury.
● Chemical exposure: Harsh chemicals or strong winds may irritate the eye and cause abrasions.
● Rubbing the eyes: Aggressive rubbing of the eyes when irritated or itchy can result in damage to the cornea.
Risk Factors for Corneal Abrasions
These are some factors which it more susceptible to corneal abrasion, such as:
● Hazardous working environment: If you work with machinery, chemicals, or equipment, you have a higher chance of letting debris enter your eyes.
● Playing sporting activities: Sports like baseball, basketball, or hockey will put the eyeball at a higher risk of injury.
● Inadequate lens hygiene: Using contact lenses for too long or not cleaning them regularly puts you at risk of developing corneal abrasions.
● Dry eyes: People suffering from chronic dry eyes are more likely to develop abrasions since the natural lubrication in the eye is minimal.
● Rubbing eyes frequently: Frequent rubbing, especially when there is a foreign body in the eye, can cause a scratch.
Symptoms of Corneal Abrasion
The signs of a corneal abrasion depend on the depth of the scratch but may include some of the following:
– Eye pain or discomfort
– The feeling of something in the eye (foreign body sensation)
– Watery eyes
– Blurred vision
– Redness or irritation
– Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
– Swelling of the eye or eyelid
You should see a doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they occur after an eye injury.
Diagnosis of Corneal Abrasion
At Tandon Eye Hospital, our eye care specialists will run an extensive evaluation to diagnose if you have corneal abrasion, or not. This may be followed by:
1. Detailed medical history: We will question you about the symptoms and what you were doing when the injury occurred.
2. Slit lamp examination. A slit lamp is used, which magnifies the cornea so that possible scratches or defects on the outer cover can be visualized.
3. Fluorescein dye test: We can apply a yellow special dye called fluorescein directly into the eye. This dye shows areas where there is an abrasion, and it is easily seen under a blue light.
Treatment for Corneal Abrasions
The treatment for corneal abrasions is generally dependent on the degree of injury. Minor abrasions recover fast, but here’s what you should expect during recovery.
1. Minor Abrasions
● Lubricating eye drops: These make the eye comfortable and keep them moist.
● Antibiotic eye drops or ointments: These will help prevent infections and hasten healing.
2. Moderate to Severe Abrasions:
● Irrigation of the eye: If there is a foreign body in the eye, we may irrigate it with saline solution.
● Topical anesthetic drops: We may use topical anesthetic eye drops to alleviate pain before the removal of any foreign body.
● Bandage contact lens: Sometimes, a soft bandage contact lens is applied to protect the cornea and promote healing.
● Pain management: If needed, your doctor can prescribe oral pain relievers or stronger eye drops to alleviate the pain.
● Most corneal abrasions heal within 24 to 48 hours, although deeper abrasions require longer recovery periods.
Complications of Corneal Abrasions
While most corneal abrasions heal without a hitch, larger or untreated scratches can lead to complications. These include:
• Infection: An untreated abrasion may lead to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.
• Corneal ulcers: Infection may cause severe ulcers that result in permanent vision loss, especially if not treated.
• Corneal scarring: Larger abrasions may leave scar tissue that affects vision.
• Recurrent corneal erosion syndrome: The corneal epithelium fails to heal properly and, therefore, recurs with pains and blurry vision.
Prevention of Corneal Abrasions
With some simple measures, corneal abrasions can be prevented.
● Protective eyewear should be used, especially for a person whose occupation requires frequent presence in the vicinity of flying debris or those whose sports involvement is prone to causing eye injury.
● Practice contact lens hygiene. Clean and disinfect the lenses correctly. Wear them within the recommended amount of time.
● Do not rub your eyes, and if your eyes are itchy or irritated, use lubricating drops instead of rubbing them.
● Be careful about chemicals and instruments: If you are dealing with dangerous substances, wear your safety glasses.
Conclusion
Even if there are minor abrasions, they can cause a great deal of pain and should not be taken lightly. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary for quick recovery and prevention of complications. Here at Tandon Eye Hospital, we have a team of experts who are there to care for you in case of eye injuries, such as corneal abrasions. If you have symptoms of an eye injury or abrasion, do not hesitate to call for an appointment.
Your eyes are precious—so take care of them!
