A corneal abrasion is a scratch or loss of surface cells from the cornea, often caused by trauma or foreign bodies. It can be very painful but usually heals quickly.
Symptoms and causes
People often recall a specific incident.
- Sudden onset eye pain, watering, and light sensitivity
- Blurred vision and foreign-body sensation
- Causes include fingernails, branches, contact lenses, or grit
- Fluorescein staining highlights the epithelial defect
Management
Treatment aims to prevent infection and relieve pain.
- Topical antibiotic drops or ointment until healed
- Pain control with oral analgesia and sometimes cycloplegic drops
- Bandage contact lenses in selected larger abrasions
- Follow-up to confirm healing and watch for recurrent erosion
