Corneal abrasions and corneal foreign body Flashcards
define corneal abrasions
scratches or damage to the cornea
which can cause a red painful eye
common causes of corneal abrasions 6
contact lenses
foreing bodies
fingernails
eyelashes
entropion (inward turing eyelids)
chemical abrasions(can cause severe damage to the eye and loss of vision)
what can happen if corneal abrasion is caused by contact lenses
can be infected with pseudomonas
important differential dx for corneal abrasion 1
herpes keratitis
-they need antiviral eye drops
presentation of corneal abrasions 6
hisotry of contact lensess or froeign body
painful red eye
foreign body sensation
watering eye
blurring vision
photophobia
diagnosis of corneal abrasison 2
fluorescein stain
-applied to eye to diagnose a corneal abrasion
-this is a yellow-orange colour and the stain collects in abrasions or ulcers, showing them
slit lamp-can show significant abrasions
management of corneal abrasions 5
painful red eye- same day opthal referral
if confident of diagnosis and mild- can be managed in primary care
Mx options
-removing foreign body
-simple analgesia (PCM)
-lubricating eye drops
-ABx eye drops
-Follow up after 24hrs (uncomplicated abrasions heal in 2-3days)
*chemical abrasion- immediate irrigation for 20-30mins and urgent referral
management of foreign body in eye 4
loose foreign body -irrigated away w normal saline
on conjunctiva- use sterile cotton bud
on cornea- use sterile hypodermic needle
Use local anaethetic
if likelihood of infection- ABx
indications for referral to ophthalmology for foreign body in eye 6
supsected penetrating injury due to high-velocity(drilling, hammering) or sharp objects
significant orbital or periocular trauma
chemical injury
if made of organic material as a higher risk of infection
foreign body in or near centre of cornea
red flags: severe pain, dilated or non-reactive pupils, significant reduction in visual acuity
