Corneal abrasians Flashcards
Corneal abrasions
Scratches or damage to the cornea.
Causes of corneal abrasions
- Contact lenses
- Foreign bodies
- Fingernails
- Eyelashes
- Entropion (inward turning eyelid)
Which causative organism is associated with corneal abrasion due to contact lenses
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Differential for corneal abrasion
Herpes keratitis
Presentation of corneal abrasion
- History of contact lenses or foreign body
- Painful red eye
- Foreign body sensation
- Watering eye
- Blurring vision
- Photophobia
How to diagnose corneal abrasions
Fluorescein stain
Slit lamp examination may be used in more significant abrasions
Fluorescein stain
Yellow-orange colour.
The stain collects in abrasions or ulcers, highlighting them.
Management of corneal abrasions
Removing foreign bodies
Simple analgesia (e.g. paracetamol)
Lubricating eye drops
Antibiotic eye drops (i.e. chloramphenicol)
Follow-up after 24 hours
Cyclopentolate eye drops
Dilate the eye
mydriatics – causing mydriasis, meaning pupil dilation
Chemical abrasion management
Immediate irrigation for 20-30 minutes and urgent referral to ophthalmology
How long do uncomplicated corneal abrasions take to heal?
Usually heal over 2-3 days
