Corneal abrasions
What is a corneal abrasion?
A corneal abrasion is a
scratch or injury to the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the
front of the eye. This is a very common occurrence in children.
What causes a corneal abrasion?
There are many things
that can cause an abrasion to the cornea. The more common causes include the
following:
- Foreign bodies in the eye (such as dirt, pebbles, insects)
- Scratch from a toy or fingernail
- Contact lenses in older children
When these objects have contact with the surface of the eye, a small abrasion
can occur.
What are the symptoms of a corneal abrasion?
The
following are the most common symptoms of a corneal abrasion. However, each
child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- Pain and redness in the eye
- Tearing of that eye
- Pain when the child looks at a light
- Excessive blinking in the affected eye
- A younger child may hold that eye shut
The symptoms of a corneal abrasion any resemble other eye conditions or
medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
How is a corneal abrasion diagnosed?
Diagnosis is
usually made based on a complete medical history and physical examination of
your child's eye. Local anesthetic drops may be placed in the eye in order to
examine the child. In addition, your child's physician may use a fluorescein
stain to help confirm the diagnosis. This is done by placing a small amount of a
dye in the child's eye. The stain does not hurt the child. A special light is
then used to look at the surface of the cornea, and any abrasion or scratch can
be seen.
Treatment for corneal abrasion:
Specific
treatment for a corneal abrasion will be determined by your child's physician
based on:
- Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the injury
- Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the injury
- Your opinion or preference
Most corneal abrasions heal quickly and do not cause any permanent damage to
the eye. Treatment may include:
- If a foreign body is seen in the eye, it may be removed with a small
cotton applicator, or by washing the eye out with a saline solution.
- An antibiotic ointment may be placed in the eye.
- A patch over the eye may be used to help decrease your child's level of
discomfort. A patch is usually required for 12 to 24 hours following a corneal
abrasion.
- Close follow-up with your child's physician is needed to assure that the
abrasion heals completely.
- Severe abrasions or cuts into the cornea may be managed by an eye
specialist because of the increased risk of damage to the eye.