Corneal injuries
The cornea is the transparent dome at the front of the eye that covers the pupil and the iris (the coloured part of the eye). Injuries to the cornea are very common, and may include abrasions (scratches), lacerations and foreign bodies.
What are the causes of corneal injuries?
Corneal abrasions are commonly caused by eye rubbing, fingernails, tree branches, thrown objects and contact lenses. Lacerations are frequently caused by sharp objects such as pencils or screwdrivers. Foreign bodies may include dirt, wood, metal or glass fragments.
Symptoms of corneal injuries
Symptoms may include:
- watering and irritation of the eye;
- a feeling that there is something in the eye;
- sudden pain in the eye;
- blurred vision; and
- sensitivity to light.
Most of these injuries are relatively minor, and with the correct treatment will heal without any significant long-term problems.
Occasionally, however, injuries, especially those from sharp foreign bodies at high speed, may extend into the deeper layers of the eye. These penetrating eye injuries are much more serious and potentially may result in loss of vision in that eye.
Diagnosis
Firstly, your vision will be checked, and then your doctor will carry out an eye examination. A slit lamp microscope or other magnifying instrument is generally used.
Eye drops containing a dye (fluorescein) may be used to help make corneal injuries show up more easily.
If a penetrating eye injury or foreign body within the eye is suspected, a CT or MRI scan will be required.
Treatment of corneal injuries
Suspected penetrating eye injuries will require immediate assessment by an ophthalmologist (eye specialist).
Corneal abrasions are treated with an antibiotic eye ointment or eye drops for several days to prevent infection. The doctor will need to follow you up to check that the wound has healed and that your vision is all right.
If a corneal foreign body is detected, eye drops are used to numb the surface of the eye so that the foreign body can be removed. In addition to topical antibiotics, a cycloplegic eye drop may also be used to prevent painful spasm of the muscles which constrict the pupil. Metallic foreign bodies may leave behind a ‘rust ring’, which will need to be removed under topical anaesthesia.
Prevention
Injuries from foreign bodies commonly result from grinding, drilling and welding, hence it is very important to wear protective eyewear when carrying out these or any other high-risk activities.
Last Reviewed: 14 September 2007
