Corneal Abrasion Symptoms

If you value your eyesight, then learning about corneal abrasion symptoms shows good judgment. After all, this common eye injury can happen to anyone, especially if they wear contacts. Recognizing it and knowing what steps to take can protect your eye health and vision. Learning how to prevent it can also be helpful.

What Is a Corneal Abrasion?

As the American Optometric Association explains, the cornea is the clear, dome-shaped covering located at the front of the eye. When it’s cut, scratched, torn, or traumatized, the result is a corneal abrasion. The body has several defense systems that are designed to automatically kick in whenever a potential threat is detected nearing the eye. The eyelids close. The eyes roll upward. And, the arms move to defend the face and eyes. Unfortunately, these systems aren’t always enough.

Are Corneal Abrasions Dangerous?

Cleveland Clinic indicates that the majority of corneal abrasions are minor. Cell turnover is rapid in the eye, so small, uncomplicated abrasions that receive proper treatment generally heal quickly. Scratches that are larger, infected, or repeated are more likely to lead to complications. These can include corneal ulcers, keratitis, and iritis, which is an inflammation of the colorful circle surrounding the eye’s pupil. Corneal erosion syndrome, a painful condition where the top layer of the cornea breaks down, is also possible.

What Are the Symptoms of a Corneal Abrasion?

Recognizing corneal abrasion symptoms is key to getting proper treatment. Pain is often the most obvious sign. “The cornea has among the highest densities of nerve fibers in the human body, so even a very small abrasion can be very painful,” according to Yale Medicine. However, it’s just one of several symptoms that can indicate there’s a problem. Corneal abrasion symptoms include all the following:

• Eye pain
• Tearing
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensation of a presence in the eye
• Blurred vision
• Redness of the eye
• Swollen eyelids or eyes
• Headache

What Should You Do If You Suspect a Corneal Abrasion?

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of a corneal abrasion, do not rub your eye or attempt to remove any object with a swab or instrument. Instead, blink repeatedly. Or, rinse the eye with saline or clean water.

Even if you believe you’ve successfully removed the object, it’s wise to see a professional for evaluation. They can verify that everything is clear, check for signs of infection, and prescribe medication to prevent infection. Depending on the severity, they may prescribe a special patch or contact while the abrasion is healing. Doctors generally say that individuals who normally wear contacts should not wear their standard contacts while their eye heals.

Of course, if you have any concern that something is still in your eye, you’ll definitely want to visit a healthcare provider for assistance. Failure to do so puts your eye health and vision at risk.

Are There Ways to Prevent Corneal Abrasions?

If you’d like to protect your eyes from corneal abrasions, try the following tips:

• Wear sports goggles when playing contact sports.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles when working with tools or machinery, doing yard work, or working with chemicals.
• Keep trees trimmed above eye level around commonly traveled paths.
• Make it a point to keep your fingers away from your eyes. Avoid rubbing or scratching your eyes, as this can cause injury.

Contact lens wearers can take additional steps to reduce their risk:

• Always clean and disinfect your contact lenses properly.
• Avoid wearing your contacts if your eyes are dry.
• Avoid wearing your contacts longer than recommended.
• Use a gentle touch when putting in or taking out contacts.

If you are experiencing corneal abrasion symptoms, contact Heffington’s for help.