Ophthalmology - Corneal Abrasions

Question 1

What are corneal abrasions?

Answer 1

Scratches or damage to the cornea

Cause red, painful eye and photophobia

Question 2

What are common causes of corneal abrasions?

Answer 2

Anything that causes damage or scratches
* Damaged contact lenses
* Fingernails
* Foreign bodies (e.g., metal fragments)
* Tree branches
* Makeup brushes
* Entropion (inward turning eyelid)

Question 3

What do chemical abrasions cause?

Answer 3

e.g. acid

Severe damage and vision loss

Needs immediate irritation and ophthalmology input

Question 4

What infection is associated with contact lens abrasions?

Answer 4

Pseudomonas infection

Herpes keratitis is an important differential which needs antiviral treatment

Question 5

How do corneal abrasions present?

Answer 5

Trauma history
* Painful red eye
* Photophobia
* Foreign body sensation
* Epiphora (excessive tear production)
* Blurred vision

Question 6

How can a corneal abrasion be diagnosed?

Answer 6

Clinical history

Fuorescein stain, yellow-orange colour collects in abrasions or ulcers and highlights them

Particularly under cobalt blue light

Question 7

What is the typical healing time for uncomplicated corneal abrasions?

Answer 7

2-3 days

Mild can be managed in priamry care

More complicated cases require assessment and management by ophthalmology

Question 8

What management options are available for corneal abrasions?

Answer 8

• Removing foreign bodies
• Simple analgesia
• Lubricating eye drops
• Antibiotic eye drops (e.g., chloramphenicol)
• Close follow-up

Question 9

What are the types of lubricating eye drops based on viscosity?

Answer 9

Different viscosities affect relief duration

• Hypromellose drops (least viscous, effects last around 10 minutes)
• Polyvinyl alcohol drops (middle viscous)
• Carbomer drops (most viscous, effects last about 30-60 minutes)