Corneal Abrasions

Question 1

What is a corneal abrasion?

Answer 1

Scratches or damage to the cornea

Question 2

What are corneal abrasions a cause of?

Answer 2

Painful red eye

Question 3

What are possible causes of corneal abrasiosn?

Answer 3

• Contact lenses
• Foreign bodies
• Fingernails
• Eyelashes
• Entropion (inward turning eyelid)

Question 4

What does an abrasion associated with the use of contact lenses suggest?

Answer 4

There may be infection with pseudomonas.

Question 5

What is an important differential of corneal abrasions?

Answer 5

Herpes keratitis

Question 6

How does a corneal abrasion present?

Answer 6

• History of contact lenses or foreign body
• Painful red eye
• Foreign body sensation
• Watering eye
• Blurring vision
• Photophobia

Question 7

How are corneal abrasions diagnosed?

Answer 7

A fluorescein stain is applied to the eye
Slit lamp examination (more severe abrasions)

Question 8

How long do uncomplicated corneal abrasions take to heal?

Answer 8

2-3 days

Question 9

What are the management options for someone presenting with a corneal abrasion?

Answer 9

Removing foreign bodies
Simple analgesia (e.g. paracetamol)
Lubricating eye drops
Antibiotic eye drops (i.e. chloramphenicol)
Follow-up after 24 hours