The cornea is the clear surface that covers the front of the eye. It helps to protect the eye from debris and harmful UV rays. The cornea also plays an important role in focusing light. When the cornea is scratched, the injury is called a corneal abrasion. Small corneal abrasions usually heal in a few days. If you are looking for more information on corneal abrasions, here’s a list of FAQs and their answers:
Question: 1 What is a corneal abrasion?
A corneal abrasion is a condition in which the clear outer layer of the eye (the cornea) is scratched. This can happen if the cornea is scratched by contact with dust, dirt, sand, fingernail and other objects. It can also happen if the eyes are rubbed too vigorously.
Question: 2 How is a corneal abrasion diagnosed?
If you think you have scratched your cornea, it is important to see an eye doctor right away. The doctor will first ask about your symptoms and how the injury happened. Then he or she will look at your eye with a bright light and a magnifying lens. In some cases, the doctor may also use a special dye to help see the scratch more clearly.
Symptoms of a corneal injury may include:
- Blurry vision
- New eye pain which does not resolve within minutes
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Redness or tearing of the eye
If you experience any of these symptoms after an eye injury, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can assess the severity of the injury and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Question: 3 How is a corneal abrasion treated?
It is better that you don’t rub your eyes when you are diagnosed with a corneal abrasion. Most of the time, tiny corneal abrasions heal within just a few days. Treatment for a corneal abrasion typically involves using artificial tears to lubricate the eye and help reduce pain and inflammation. Antibiotic ointment or drops may also be prescribed to prevent infection. In more severe cases, a bandage contact lens may be needed to protect the eye while it heals.
Usually, eye doctors prescribe oral pain medication for people with extreme pain until the corneal abrasion is healed. Anesthetics, which is a topical numbing medication, is given to allow examination.
Note: Never use numbing medication at home because it can have toxic effects.
Question: 4 Do corneal abrasions heal completely?
Usually, corneal abrasions heal without causing any problems. However, the surface of the cornea is sometimes not as smooth as before even after the injury has healed. After the abrasion heals some people notice that the eye feels irritated again. This is called “recurrent erosions.” Recurrent erosions occur when the cornea surface is not smooth.
Recurrent erosions can also occur due to an underlying problem with the eye surface, such as vitamin A deficiency or dry eye. Typically, the recurrent erosions treatment includes artificial tears to help lubricate the eye and protect the eye surface.
Question: 5 How does cornea abrasion feel?
Usually, corneal abrasion is quite painful. You may feel like you have grit or sand in your eyes. You may notice blurred vision or tears or your eye may look red. Also, you may notice that light hurts your eye.
Question: 6 Can dry eyes cause corneal abrasion?
Severe dry eyes may lead to eye inflammation, corneal ulcers, vision loss and abrasion of the corneal surface if left untreated.
Looking for an eye hospital for cornea surgery?
We, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have a dynamic team of cornea sub-specialty ophthalmologists. They are skilled in the latest medical and surgical care of patients with corneal diseases. Some of the cornea surgery types that our eye surgeons perform are:
- Keratoplasty
- Corneal /scleral patch graft
- Ocular Surface and Reconstructive Surgery
We are also among the few eye hospitals in West Bengal to offer corneal transplantation. We have one of the largest corneal transplant centres in the country. Find the nearest branch and call to book an appointment.