Corneal Abrasions and Foreign Bodies Flashcards
What is a corneal abrasion?
Causes:
- Mechanical trauma
- Retained foreign bodies
- Used for refractive error
- Type of radiation
A defect in the corneal epithelial surface due to a non-penetrating injury
Fingernails, paper edges, eyelashes (trichiasis)
Dust, sand
Contact lenses
UV light
Presentation:
Pain:
- Gradual/sudden
- Uni/bi
Other symptoms - 4
Sudden onset unilateral eye pain after precipitating event
Foreign body sensation
Lacrimation - teary
Photophobia
Blurred vision
Examination findings:
2 exam findings
What can be used to see any abrasion?
What should you also do to look for any foreign bodies?
Red-eye
Corneal or conjunctival foreign body
Fluorescein staining - turns green under cobalt light
Every upper eyelid for full examination
Management:
When is an urgent referral needed?
How long should you irrigate for chemical injury before needing urgent referral?
How can you remove the foreign body?
Penetrating injury
Significant visual impairment
Irregular pupils
Infection/ulceration
Chemical injury (after copious irrigation for 20-30 minutes)
Topical anaesthesia + saline irrigation or sterile swab
Management:
What increases the risk of microbial keratitis?
What should be prescribed if there is an increased risk of microbial keratitis? Route?
Contact lens wearers
Vegetable or contaminated matter
Topical antibiotics
Management:
What should be prescribed for the pain?
Analgesia - oral (simple/opioid) or topical NSAIDs
How long does it take to resolve?
1-2 days
What is recurrent erosion syndrome?
Symptoms recur despite no new trauma - lubricant eyedrops prevent further episodes
Why can abrasions be sight-threatening?
If it is chemical
If it becomes infected
