Corneal Abrasions and Erosions

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 five layers. The outermost layer is called the epitheliumted.

What is a corneal abrasion?
A corneal abrasion is an injury to the 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-"foreign body sensation"- will accompany even a small abrasion.

How are abrasions treated?
A common treatment is to patch the scratched eye, thus preventing the blinking eyelid from moving over the healing area. Another common treatment is repeated application of ointment to the eye, which forms a soothing layer between the inner eye lid and the abrasion. Antibiotics 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.

(Recurrent) Corneal Erosion
What is corneal erosion?
A corneal erosion is a spontaneous breakdown of the epithelium, sometimes at the site of an earlier corneal abrasion. The symptoms are similar to a corneal abrasion, except for MORE PAIN!! Also the patient may have a foreign body sensation, tearing and light sensitivity. These symptoms may vary, are often unpredictable and may 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 bandage contact lens
• Micro-puncture of the epithelium.

Recurrent corneal erosions can be stubborn and frustrating. Dr. D may be may have to treat you more than once to completely heal this recurrent condition. Please understand that this is not a routine condition and may return despite the best treatment available.