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Corneal injury
Abrasion - corneal; Scratch - corneal; Eye pain - corneal
Corneal injury is a wound to the part of the eye known as the cornea. The cornea is the crystal clear (transparent) tissue that covers the front of the eye. It works with the lens of the eye to focus images on the retina.
Causes
Injuries to the cornea are common.
Injuries to the outer surface may be due to:
- Abrasions: Includes scratches or scrapes on the surface of the cornea
- Chemical injuries: Caused by almost any fluid that gets into the eye
- Contact lens problems: Overuse, poor fit, or sensitivity to contact lens care solutions
- Foreign bodies: Exposure to something in the eye such as sand or dust
- Ultraviolet injuries: Caused by sunlight, sun lamps, snow or water reflections, or arc-welding
Infections may also damage the cornea.
Infections
The cornea is the clear tissue at the front of the eye. A corneal ulcer is an open sore in the outer layer of the cornea. It is often caused by inf...
You are more likely to develop a corneal injury if you:
- Are exposed to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light for long periods of time
- Have ill-fitting contact lenses or overuse your contact lenses
-
Have very
dry eyes
Dry eyes
You need tears to moisten the eyes and to wash away particles that have gotten in. A healthy tear film on the eye is necessary for good vision. Dry...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Work in a dusty environment
High-speed particles, such as chips from hammering metal on metal, may get stuck in the surface of the cornea. Rarely, they may penetrate deeper into the eye.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
-
Eye pain
or stinging and burning in the eye
Eye pain
Pain in the eye may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also feel like you have a forei...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Feeling like something is in your eye (may be caused by a scratch or something in your eye)
-
Light sensitivity
Light sensitivity
Photophobia is eye discomfort in bright light.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Redness of the eye
Redness of the eye
Eye redness is most often due to swollen or dilated blood vessels. This makes the surface of the eye look red or bloodshot.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Swollen eyelids
- Watery eyes or increased tearing
Exams and Tests
You will need to have a complete eye test. The health care provider may use eye drops called fluorescein dye to help look for injuries.
Tests may include:
-
Standard ophthalmic exam
Standard ophthalmic exam
A standard ophthalmic exam is a series of tests done to check your vision and the health of your eyes.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article -
Slit lamp examination
Slit lamp examination
The slit-lamp examination looks at structures that are at the front of the eye.
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Treatment
First aid for eye emergencies :
Eye emergencies
Eye emergencies include cuts, scratches, objects in the eye, burns, chemical exposure, and blunt injuries to the eye or eyelid. Certain eye infectio...
- DO NOT try to remove an object that is stuck in your eye without professional medical help.
- If chemicals are splashed in the eye, IMMEDIATELY flush the eye with water for 15 minutes. The person should be quickly taken to the nearest emergency room.
Anyone with severe eye pain needs to be seen in an emergency care center or examined by an ophthalmologist right away.
Treatment for corneal injuries may involve:
- Removing foreign material from the eye
- Wearing an eye patch or temporary bandage contact lens
- Using eye drops or ointments prescribed by the doctor
- Not wearing contact lenses until the eye has healed
- Taking pain medicines
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most of the time, injuries that affect only the surface of the cornea heal very quickly with treatment. The eye should be back to normal within 2 days.
Injuries that penetrate the cornea are much more serious. The outcome depends on the specific injury.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if the injury is not better after 2 days of treatment.
Prevention
Things you can do to prevent corneal injuries include:
- Wear safety goggles at all times when using hand or power tools or chemicals, during high impact sports, or during other activities where you may get an eye injury.
- Wear sunglasses that screen ultraviolet light when you are exposed to sunlight. Wear this type of sunglasses even during the winter.
- Be careful when using household cleaners. Many household products contain strong chemicals. Drain and oven cleaners are very dangerous. They can lead to blindness if not used properly.
References
Engel K, Page M, Montezuma S, Cameron JD. Surgical and nonsurgical trauma. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Foundations of Clinical Ophthalmology . 2013 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2013:vol 3; chap 6.
Sharma R, Brunette DD. Ophthalmology. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 71.
Vinger PF. The eye and sports medicine. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds. Duane's Ophthalmology . 2013 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2013:vol 5; chap 45.
Yanoff M, Cameron JD. Diseases of the visual system. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 423.
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Cornea - illustration
The cornea is the crystal clear portion of the surface of the eye that lets light enter. The cornea is well supplied with nerve endings which is why some people can never get used to wearing contacts.
Cornea
illustration
Review Date: 8/20/2016
Reviewed By: Franklin W. Lusby, MD, ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
