Corneal abrasion is a medical condition involving the loss of the surface epithelial layer of the eye's cornea. Corneal abrasions are a common ophthalmologic cause of ED visits. Corneal abrasions are generally a result of trauma to the surface of the eye. Common causes include jabbing a finger into an eye or walking into a tree branch. A foreign body in the eye may also cause a scratch if the eye is rubbed. A corneal injury may occur when something gets into your eye. A foreign body, such as a piece of sand or wood, may lodge under the upper lid and cause scratches of the corneal surface every time. A hot cigarette ash flying into the eye may cause a corneal abrasion. Exposure of the unprotected eye to ultraviolet light from sun lamps or welding arcs can cause changes in the corneal surface.

Symptoms of corneal abrasion include pain, photophobia, a foreign-body sensation, and a reflex production of tears. Signs include epithelial defects and edema, and often conjunctival injection, swollen eyelids, and a mild anterior-chamber reaction. The treatment of a corneal abrasion is primarily directed at promoting healing and relieving pain. Use of anti-infective agents will depend upon extent of injury. Topical ophthalmic agents may be prescribed by the veterinarian. Avoid antibiotics containing neomycin (eg, Neosporin) because of the higher incidence of allergy to neomycin in the general population. Some steps to help prevent corneal abrasions such as, wear protective eye goggles when you're around machinery that causes particles of wood, metal or other materials to fly into the air.

Wash your hands before handling your contact lenses. Clean and wear contact lenses as directed. Never sleep in your contact lenses. Cut infants' and young children's fingernails short. trim low-hanging tree branches. Use care when putting in contact lenses. Eye pads used in "pressure patching" may also improve comfort. Self-care of eye is very important. Some self-care may include do not rub your eye. Rubbing may worsen the abrasion. If you are not wearing an eye patch, moist compresses may help relieve the pain. Do not put your contact lenses back in your eye until you get your doctor's approval. Being extra careful when using makeup brushes and curling irons. Taking excellent care of and using excellent hygiene with contact lenses.

Corneal Abrasion Treatment and Prevention Tips

1. Topical antibiotics are often used to treat corneal abrasions.

2. Oral analgesics also may be indicated.

3. Avoid antibiotics containing neomycin (eg, Neosporin).

4. Wear protective eye goggles .

5. Cut infants' and young children's fingernails short.

6. Trim low-hanging tree branches.

8. Use care when putting in contact lenses.