What Is Corneal Laceration? And its Symptoms
Corneas are our front window to the world of vision. Any damage to them can be not just uncomfortable but can also cause loss of vision, if left untreated for long. A corneal laceration is one such issue that should not be taken lightly. Corneal laceration occurs when something hits the eye with a significant force like a ball or metallic rod, causing a cut on the cornea. Corneal lacerations are typically caused by tree branches, metallic objects or some sharp objects. One can prevent such accidents by wearing protective eyewear, especially while working in the garden or playing a sport.
How is corneal laceration different from corneal abrasion?
Though corneal abrasion and corneal laceration sound similar, on a closer look you will find that the two are different. Corneal abrasions are usually caused by minor accidents like scratches caused by fingernails or contact lenses or when foreign objects like dirt, sand, or sawdust get stuck in your eyes. If you rub your eyes too vigorously, you may cause corneal abrasions. However, a corneal laceration is an actual cut and not just a scratch on the cornea. It is deeper than corneal abrasion and requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of corneal laceration:-
- You will feel severe pain and will have a sensation that something is in your eyes
- The injury will make your eyes teary
- You may also find notice blood in the eye. This depends upon the nature of the injury
- You may suddenly experience blurred vision or decreased vision
- You may also find natural or artificial light too harsh
Diagnosis:-
If you think you have symptoms of a corneal laceration, then you must see an ophthalmologist on an urgent basis. After a complete eye examination, your ophthalmologist can tell you the severity of the injury. For a complete eye examination, your ophthalmologist may put numbing eye drops so that your eyes can remain open during the examination. Depending upon whether it’s a partial thickness or full thickness laceration, the doctor will suggest the course of action.
Book appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata
If you notice any symptoms of corneal laceration, consult the best eye doctor in Kolkata at Disha Eye Hospitals. We are committed to providing right eye care solutions at an affordable cost. To book an appointment online with the best eye doctors in Kolkata, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us. You can also book an appointment through WhatsApp (9433311111).
What should you do?
If you think you have corneal laceration, you must immediately seek medical help. A corneal laceration is a serious injury that should not be ignored as it can lead to loss of vision. However, by the time you reach the eye hospital make sure you don’t aggravate your injury:
- Cover your eyes with an eye shield or a pair of sunglasses
- Do not rinse your eyes with water. The foreign object that may be in your eyes may go further, causing more damage
- If you think something is stuck in your eyes, do not try to remove it on your own
- Do not apply pressure on your eyes with your hands as this can make the injury worse
- Don’t take any painkillers such as ibuprofen, aspirin or other non-steroidal drugs. These medicines cause the blood to thin and may increase your bleeding.
- See an eye doctor at the earliest.
Treatment:-
Usually, surgery is done to treat a corneal laceration. The doctor will close the cut where the object struck and remove any foreign object that is still stuck in the eye. The doctor may also recommend some medications and some eye drops to ensure that there’s no infection. You may be advised to wear a patch for a few days. If your injury is severe then the doctor may recommend several surgeries.
Followup:-
Often a corneal laceration puts you at a higher risk of developing other eye complications like retinal detachment and thus it’s very crucial that you follow up with your eye doctor.