Corneal Abrasion

Ophthalmic Partners treats corneal abrasion for patients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the surrounding communities.

WHAT IS A CORNEAL ABRASION?

A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the cornea, the clear membrane that covers the iris (colored part) and the pupil (black circle in the center of the eye).

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CORNEAL ABRASION?

Choroidal nevus occurs when pigmented cells in the back of the eye begin to clump together.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR A CHOROIDAL NEVUS?

A scratch can cause extreme discomfort and pain. You may have pain when opening or closing the eye, light sensitivity, headache, tearing and redness, blurry vision, and a feeling like sand or grit is in the eye.

WHAT CAUSES CORNEAL ABRASION?

If you poke your eye or get a substance such as dirt, sawdust, or ash in the eye, it can become trapped under the eyelid and cause a scratch. Dirty or badly fitting contact lenses, chemical burns, or industrial contaminants may also cause corneal abrasions. Sports and certain activities can place you at risk for corneal abrasion injuries. Too much rubbing of the eye can cause damage and further irritation. Because the symptoms may appear sometime after the abrasion has occurred, it may be difficult to pinpoint a cause.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR CORNEAL ABRASION?

If you participate in outdoor activities, including sports, or wear contact lenses, you may be at greater risk for a corneal abrasion. The condition, though, can happen to anyone.

HOW CAN CORNEAL ABRASION BE PREVENTED?

The best way to prevent a corneal abrasion is to protect your eyes, especially while you are outdoors. Additionally, contact lens wearers should always wash their hands and clean their contact lenses regularly. If you get a foreign substance in your eye, it is always good practice not to rub the eye, but to instead blink rapidly or use a saline rinse to flush the eye.

HOW IS CORNEAL ABRASION DIAGNOSED?

If you feel like something is in your eye, it is important to see an eye doctor in Pennsylvania or New Jersey as soon as possible to have the substance removed, and the eye treated before corneal abrasion can worsen. The doctor may apply a fluorescein stain to examine the cornea surface.

HOW IS CORNEAL ABRASION TREATED?

In most cases, the eye will heal on its own, but antibiotic drops or ointment or anti-inflammatory eye drops can help promote healing and reduce potential scarring.

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Early detection of eye disease is the best defense against vision loss, particularly for individuals over the age of 40. Should you experience any vision problems that could be an indicator of an eye disorder, contact one of our offices in Philadelphia, PA, Bala Cynwyd, PA, Media, PA, or Marlton, NJ, as soon as possible to book an assessment.

The eye doctors and surgeons at Ophthalmic Partners have the necessary expertise and experience to diagnose, manage, and treat complex eye disorders and diseases. Visit us today to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.