Corneal abrasion

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Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Corneal abrasion
File:Human cornea with abrasion highlighted by fluorescein staining.jpg Corneal abrasion highlighted by fluorescein staining
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Eye pain, red eye, tearing, photophobia
Complications	Corneal ulcer, infection
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Usually a few days
Types	N/A
Causes	Trauma, foreign body, contact lens use
Risks	Contact sports, dry eye syndrome, improper contact lens care
Diagnosis	Fluorescein staining, slit lamp examination
Differential diagnosis	Conjunctivitis, keratitis, foreign body in the eye
Prevention	Eye protection, proper contact lens hygiene
Treatment	Antibiotic eye drops, pain management, eye patch
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Corneal Abrasion is a medical condition that involves the scratching or scraping of the cornea, the clear, protective layer covering the front of the eye. This condition is often caused by foreign bodies, such as dust or sand, but can also result from physical trauma or improper use of contact lenses.

Causes

Corneal abrasions can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

• Foreign bodies: Dust, sand, and other small particles can scratch the cornea if they become trapped under the eyelid.
• Physical trauma: A direct blow to the eye, such as from a fist or ball, can cause a corneal abrasion.
• Improper use of contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses for too long, or not cleaning them properly, can scratch the cornea.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a corneal abrasion can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:

• Pain and redness in the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Feeling like there is something in the eye

Treatment

Treatment for corneal abrasions typically involves removing any foreign bodies from the eye and using medicated eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing. In some cases, a patch may be used to protect the eye while it heals.

Prevention

Preventing corneal abrasions involves taking steps to protect the eyes from injury. This can include wearing protective eyewear when participating in sports or doing work that involves flying particles, and following proper hygiene practices when using contact lenses.

See Also

• Eye injury
• Corneal ulcer
• Contact lens complications