Corneal abrasion
| Corneal abrasion | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| A corneal abrasion after staining with fluorescein. | |
| Specialty | Emergency medicine |
| Symptoms | eye pain, light sensitivity |
| Usual onset | rapid |
| Duration | less than 3 days |
| Causes | minor trauma, contact len use |
| Diagnostic method | slit lamp exam |
| Differential diagnosis | corneal ulcer, globe rupture |
| Prevention | eye protection |
| Frequency | 3 per 1,000 per year (United States) |
| Classification | |
|---|---|
| External resources |
Corneal abrasion is a scratch to the surface of the cornea of the eye. Symptoms include pain, redness, light sensitivity, and a feeling like a foreign body is in the eye. Most people recover completely within three days.
Most cases are due to minor trauma to the eye such as that which can occur with contact lens use or from fingernails. About 25% of cases occur at work. Diagnosis is often by slit lamp examination after fluorescein dye has been applied. More significant injuries like a corneal ulcer, globe rupture, recurrent erosion syndrome, and a foreign body within the eye should be ruled out.
Prevention includes the use of eye protection. Treatment is typically with antibiotic ointment. In those who wear contact lenses a fluoroquinolone antibiotic is often recommended. Paracetamol (acetaminophen), NSAIDs, and eye drops such as cyclopentolate that paralysis the pupil can help with pain. Evidence does not support the usefulness of eye patching for those with simple abrasions.
About 3 per 1,000 people are affected a year in the United States. Males are more often affected than females. The typical age group affected is those in their 20s and 30s. Complications can include bacterial keratitis, corneal ulcer, and iritis. Complications may occur in up to 8% of people.
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