Corneal Abrasions | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of a corneal abrasion?
Each child may experience symptoms differently, but the most common symptoms of a corneal abrasion are:
- Pain in the affected eye
- Tearing in the affected eye
- Pain when the child looks at a light
- Excessive blinking in the affected eye
- A tendency to try and hold the affected eye shut, particularly in younger children
Because the symptoms of a corneal abrasion may resemble other eye conditions or medical problems, you should always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
What causes a corneal abrasion?
There are many things that can cause an abrasion to the cornea. The more common causes include:
- foreign bodies in the eye (such as dirt, pebbles, or insects)
- a scratch from a toy or fingernail
- contact lenses in older children
When these objects have contact with the surface of the eye, a small abrasion can occur.
Corneal Abrasions | Diagnosis & Treatments
How is a corneal abrasion diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made based on a complete medical history and physical examination of your child's eye.
The physical examination may include the following steps:
- Local anesthetic drops may be placed in your child’s eye.
- In addition, your child's physician may order a fluorescein stain to help confirm the diagnosis. This is done by placing a small amount of a dye in the child's eye. The stain does not hurt the child.
- A special light is then used to look at the surface of the cornea and reveal any abrasions or scratches.
How is a corneal abrasion treated?
Most corneal abrasions heal quickly and do not cause any permanent damage to the eye. Treatment may take the following forms:
- If a foreign body is seen in the eye, it may be removed with a small cotton applicator, or by washing the eye out with a saline solution.
- An antibiotic ointment may be placed in the eye.
- A patch over the eye may be used to help decrease your child's level of discomfort. A patch is usually required for 12 to 24 hours following a corneal abrasion.
- Close follow-up with your child's physician will be necessary to assure that the abrasion heals completely.
- Severe abrasions or cuts into the cornea may be managed by an eye specialist because of the increased risk of damage to the eye.
