Corneal Abrasion
What is the cornea?
The cornea is the clear front window of the eye. It covers the colored portion of the eye, much like a watch crystal covers the face of a watch. The cornea is composed of several layers, with the outermost layer called the epithelium.
What is a corneal abrasion?
A corneal abrasion is an injury to the surface layer or epithelium. Abrasions are painful. Common causes of corneal abrasions include problems from contact lenses, fingernails, paper cuts, tree or bush limbs or rubbing of the eye. There are some eye conditions, such as dry eye, that may make injury more likely. The corneal surface usually heals within a day or two, but the eye may be very uncomfortable while it is healing. Tearing, light sensitivity and the feeling that something is in the eye, a" foreign body sensation", will accompany even a small abrasion.
How are abrasions treated?
A common treatment is to patch the scratched eye, apply topical medications to control pain, or apply a contact lens bandage. Antibiotic drops or ointment are often used because of the small risk of infection. Sometimes a drop is used to dilate the pupil to help with pain associated with light sensitivity. Even after the surface has healed, the cornea may still be sensitive to wind and dust. Often, additional lubrication is helpful, both during the day and at bedtime, until the sensitivity has disappeared. Some other diseases, such as dry eye or diabetes, may slow healing.
What is a corneal erosion?
A corneal erosion is a spontaneous breakdown of the epithelium, sometimes at the site of an earlier abrasion. The symptoms are similar to a corneal abrasion: foreign body sensation, tearing and light sensitivity. These symptoms may vary, are often unpredictable and often occur upon awakening. An erosion may occur when the eyes are dry or irritated.
How are corneal erosions treated?
Several treatments are used to alleviate the discomfort of erosions and to speed healing: lubricating drops and ointments; drops or ointments containing salt; a special contact lens used to bandage the cornea; micro-puncture of the epithelium; and removal of the damaged epithelium. Recurrent corneal erosions can be stubborn and frustrating. Your ophthalmologist may be able to identify other contributing factors, and help decide what treatment is best. Your attention to extra lubrication for the cornea is often the key to ending the erosion cycle.
Intracorneal Rings (ICRs) Intracorneal rings are plastic inserts placed in the cornea. The rings flatten the central cornea to correct low levels of nearsightedness (myopia). Unlike other refractive surgery procedures, intracorneal rings can be removed. When the inserts are removed the cornea returns to its preoperative shape and one is again nearsighted.
The procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis using drops for an anesthetic. It is a quick procedure and can take less than half an hour.
Research is being done on intracorneal rings to correct farsightedness and astigmatism.
Complications with intracorneal rings are rare, but include undercorrection, overcorrection, induced astigmatism, infection, glare, haloes and extrusion of the insert. Minimal scarring may also occur in the area of the rings.
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