Corneal Abrasion

The following is a compilation of information published on Wikipedia and eye health information published by the American Academy of Opthlamology on www.geteyesmart.com. Appropriate links to the source material have been included in the article.

According to Wikipedia, Corneal abrasion is a medical condition involving the loss of the surface epithelial layer of the eye's cornea. The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains corneal abrasion as a scratch or scrape on the cornea, the clear, round dome covering the eye's iris and pupil. The cornea plays a crucial role in vision by helping to focus light as it enters the eye.  Vision can be affected when a corneal abrasion scars the cornea.

Corneal abrasions are generally a result of trauma to the surface of the eye. Common causes include walking into a tree branch, getting grit in the eye and then rubbing the eye or being hit with a piece of projectile metal. A foreign body in the eye may also cause a scratch if the eye is rubbed. Often small children accidently poke the eye of whoever is holding them.  In most cases, the immediate cause of a corneal abrasion may not be apparent since the symptoms may occur hours after the injury.

Symptoms of corneal abrasion include pain, photophobia, a foreign-body sensation, excessive squinting, and a reflex production of tears. The vision may be blurred, both from any swelling of the cornea and the excess tears. Crusty build up from excesstears may also be present.

Wearing protective eyewear  when performing activities that can put your eyes at risk of injury can prevent corneal abrasions.

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