Corneal Injury and Foreign Bodies

Question 1

Corneal Injury Symptoms Suggesting Superficial Abrasion or FB

Answer 1

• Redness, pain watering
• FB sensation
• Blurred vision
• Photophobia
• Pain on eye movement
• May be no symptoms if FB is below surface
• Much less pain if object is below sclera

Question 2

Corneal Injury Symptoms Suggesting Penetrating Corneal Injury

Answer 2

• Sudden onset or after RTA
• High velocity particles in activity at the time e.g. welding, grinding, mowing
• Deep eyelid laceration
• Distorted globe
• Subconjunctival haemorrhage
• Conjunctival laceration
• Black protruding uveal tissue
• Distorted iris or pupil
• Hyphaema
• Air bubbles
• Positive Seidel’s test

Question 3

Corneal Injury Seidel’s Test

Answer 3

• Apply fluorescin

- New aqueous fluid will flow into pool of die and dilute it

Question 4

Corneal Injury Red Flags

Answer 4

• Deep lid laceration
• Subconjuntival haemorrhage
• Pupil, iris or fundal abnormalities (e.g. hyperaemia, tear-drop shaped pupil, nitrous haemorrhage, abnormalities of eye movement)