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Corneal abrasions are scratches or cuts on the cornea -- the clear, protective "window" at the front of the eye -- by a foreign object such as sand, wood shavings, metal particles, or by a contact lens. Usually, the scratch is superficial. Because the cornea has many nerve endings and is extremely sensitive, abrasions are usually very painful. If your cornea is scratched, it might feel as though you have sand in your eye.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a corneal abrasion include an inability to open your eye because of pain, excess tearing, blurred vision and an increased sensitivity to light. Most people can recall a foreign object coming into contact with their eye right before their symptoms started. Occasionally, patients will recall that they slept with their contact lenses in for an extended period of time. Corneal abrasions from a contact lens can potentially result in serious damage to the eye and even permanent vision loss.
Treatment
If you suspect you may have a corneal abrasion, call your health care provider right away. While you are waiting to be seen, do not rub your eye, as this can actually worsen the abrasion. During your visit, expect to have your eye physically inspected and to have your vision screened. Often, your healthcare provider will "stain" your affected eye with a special dye called a fluorescein dye. Your eye will then be examined under a special light, and if you do have a corneal abrasion, the dye will allow your healthcare provider to pinpoint the exact area of injury. Topical antibiotics are usually the treatment of choice for corneal abrasions. These help prevent a secondary infection. Be sure to finish the entire course of antibiotics.
Patch or Not?
Traditionally, physicians commonly applied a patch over the eye with the corneal abrasion for up to 24 hours, and some still do. However, patching is controversial: According to a 2006 meta-analysis of seven research studies on patching, a patch does not improve healing of a corneal abrasion.
Prevention
To prevent injury, always wear safety glasses when working with wood, metal, sand, or any materials that could become airborne.
