What is Corneal Abrasion?
A corneal abrasion, also referred to as a scratched cornea or a scratched eye, is an injury on the surface layer or epithelium of the cornea. It can occur due to scratches caused by fingernails, paper, dirt, sand, dust, etc. Additionally, corneal abrasions can be caused by ill-fitting or dry contact lenses.1
This injury is very painful and may lead to infections, ulcers, and permanently reduced vision through scars, so it is important that you seek attention from an eyecare professional immediately after the injury.1
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms you may experience include:
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Redness
- Watering eyes
- Swollen eyes
- Photophobia1 (light sensitivity)
What are the Risk Factors?
While all people are at risk of corneal abrasion, there are certain lifestyles that may cause higher risk such as those who wear contact lenses, participate in sports, or work around eye hazards.2 Additional risk factors include chronic dry eyes and rubbing your eyes with extreme force.1
What are the Treatment Options?
Several options are available to treat corneal abrasions. Your doctor may start by having you flush out your eye with a saline solution or clean water. If there is a foreign object in the eye, your doctor may numb the eye with topical anesthesia and remove the foreign body. Additionally, your practitioner may prescribe topical antibiotics (eye drops).1
While corneal abrasion may seem minor, it should never be ignored. Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent complications and ensure proper healing. By understanding the risk factors and recognizing the symptoms early, you can take steps to protect your eye health by avoiding further injury or permanent scarring.
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