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Corneal injury describes an injury to the cornea, the crystal clear (transparent) tissue covering the front of the eye.
See also: Corneal ulcers and infections
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe cornea works with the lens of the eye to focus images on the retina. Injuries to the cornea are common.
Superficial (surface) corneal injuries, called corneal abrasions, may be caused by:
- Something getting into the eye (such as sand or dust)
- Overuse of contact lenses or lenses that don't fit correctly
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation
You are more likely to develop a corneal injury if you work in a dusty environment, are exposed to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light for long periods of time, or if you overuse or have ill-fitting contact lenses.
Penetrating (deep) corneal injuries may occur with major trauma. High speed particles, such as chips from hammering metal on metal, are particularly dangerous.
Symptoms- Abnormal sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Redness of the eye
- Swollen eyelids
- Standard ophthalmic exam
- Slit lamp examination of the eye
- Fluorescein dye staining of the surface of the eye
Anyone with severe eye pain needs to be evaluated in an emergency care center or by an ophthalmologist immediately.
Treatment for corneal injuries may involve:
- Removing any foreign material from the eye
- Eye patch
- Antibiotic drops or ointments
Do NOT try to remove an object stuck in your eye without professional medical assistance. See: First aid for eye emergencies
A particle that is large enough to damage the cornea may not be seen without a magnifying glass or special eye drops that stain the eye.
You should avoid driving and other potentially dangerous situations while wearing an eye patch, since it can affect your depth perception.
If the corneal injury is due to a chemical burn, seek immediate medical attention. Many household products contain strong acids or other chemicals. Drain cleaners and oven cleaners are particularly dangerous. If chemicals are splashed in the eye, the eye should be immediately flushed with tap water for 15 minutes, and the patient should be quickly taken to the nearest emergency room.
Expectations (prognosis)Injuries that affect only the surface of the cornea normally heal very rapidly with treatment, and the eye should be back to normal within 2 days.
Penetrating corneal injuries are much more serious. The outcome depends on the specific injury.
ComplicationsSevere corneal injury may require extensive surgery or a cornea transplant.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if the injury has not significantly improved in 2 days with treatment.
PreventionSafety goggles should be worn at all times when using hand or power tools, when using chemicals, during high impact sports, or in other situations where there is a potential for eye injury. Sunglasses designed to screen ultraviolet light should be worn during prolonged exposure to sunlight, even during the winter.
ReferencesBrunette DD. Ophthalmology. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006:chap. 70.
What else can I help you with?
What are the dangers of not seeking medical help for an eye injury?
The dangers of not seeking medical help for an eye injury ultimately is permanant blindness. Other problems can be permanent corneal damage or lens damage.
What neural injury will the corneal reflex not test for?
The corneal reflex will not test for injuries to the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) as it primarily assesses the integrity of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) and the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve.
Which condition is a pitting of the cornea caused by an infection or injury?
A condition where the cornea becomes pitted due to an infection or injury is called bacterial keratitis. This condition can lead to inflammation, pain, and vision disturbances and requires prompt medical attention to prevent further damage to the eye.
Is Corneal abrasion a pitting of the cornea caused by an infection or injury?
Injuries are most common and can be caused by physical, chemical, and radiation causes. Infection can be a cause but is much rarer. Regardless, a qualified ophthalmologist should be consulted.
How do you prevent corneal blindness?
Preventing corneal blindness involves several key practices: maintaining good eye hygiene, protecting the eyes from injury and UV exposure, and managing underlying health conditions like diabetes. Regular eye examinations can help detect issues early, allowing for timely treatment. Additionally, prompt management of eye infections with appropriate medications is crucial. Wearing safety eyewear during activities that pose a risk to the eyes can also significantly reduce the likelihood of corneal damage.
How can the cornea become injured?
Injury to the cornea can occur because of chemical burns, mechanical trauma, or infection by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or protozoa. The herpes virus produces one of the more common infections leading to corneal transplant.
What is the function of the corneal reflex?
The corneal reflex is a protective mechanism that helps prevent injury to the eye. When the cornea is touched or irritated, the reflex causes the eyelids to blink rapidly to help remove the irritant and protect the eye. This reflex is important for maintaining eye health and preventing damage to the cornea.
What happened to Brandy's Cummings eye?
Brandy Cummings, a public figure known for her social media presence, suffered a significant injury to her eye in an incident that occurred while she was filming a video. The injury resulted in a corneal abrasion, which caused her considerable pain and temporary vision loss. Cummings has since shared updates about her recovery process with her followers.
Corneal transplant - series?
Normal anatomyThe cornea is the clear covering of the eye over the colored iris and the pupil.IndicationsCorneal transplantation is recommended for:severe corneal infection, injury, damage, or scarringcorneas that no longer allow light to pass through (opaque), often secondary to lens surgery (see cataract surgery), infections, and inherited diseases of the cornea.IncisionCorneal transplant is done with the patient awake and pain-free (local anesthesia). An incision is made around the outer edge of the cornea.ProcedureThe damaged cornea is removed and the corneal graft is stitched in place. The corneal graft is a transplant from a brain dead donor maintained on life support.AftercareTransplanted corneas have a long life expectancy. The benefits of corneal transplant are significant, and include significant improvement in vision.Reviewed ByReview Date: 07/28/2010Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What are the three common vision problems?
The three common vision problems are myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism (blurred vision due to irregular cornea shape). They can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
When was the accident to Wesley Snipes eye and how did it happen?
Wesley Snipes accidentally injured his eye in 1990 during the filming of "The King of New York." He was performing a scene that involved a prop gun, which inadvertently caused a piece of debris to strike his eye, leading to a corneal abrasion. Fortunately, the injury was not severe, and he recovered without lasting damage.
What Force response for a squash ball hit in the eye?
If a squash ball is hit directly in the eye, the force could potentially cause damage to the eye such as a corneal abrasion, retinal detachment, or bleeding inside the eye. It is important to seek medical attention immediately to assess the extent of the injury and prevent any long-term damage to the eye.
