Minor scratches or abrasions to the cornea are common. They usually soon heal. Antibiotic eye drops are commonly prescribed to prevent an eye infection from developing. More serious injuries may occur from small flying particles when drilling, sawing, etc, without eye protection.
What causes corneal injury?
Corneal scratches / abrasions
The cornea is at the front of the eye. The blink reflex normally protects the cornea from most injuries.
The cornea is at the front of the eye. The blink reflex normally protects the cornea from most injuries.
However, scratches and minor injuries to the cornea are quite common. For example, a scratch from a hairbrush, by a fingernail when putting in a contact lens, from walking into a tree branch, etc.
The pain may be quite bad, even from a small scratch, as the cornea is very sensitive.
Cataracts, Glaucoma, Herpes Simplex Eye Infection
Small flying objects
If you drill or use other types of power tools without wearing eye protection, you may injure your cornea from small flying particles of metal, wood, or other materials.
- Sometimes the particle gets 'stuck' in the cornea. This can can cause pain similar to a corneal scratch.
- Sometimes the particle goes straight through the cornea to a deeper part of the eye.
- If the particle is small this can be painless at first, or cause only minor pain.
- However, untreated it can cause permanent damage to the eye.
- Therefore: always see a doctor for an eye examination if you suspect a particle has flown into your eye when you have been drilling, sawing, grinding, chiselling, etc.
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Examination of the eye
A doctor may use a magnifying instrument to examine your eye. A special dye (fluorescein) is commonly put on the front of the eye if a corneal injury is suspected. This shows up scratches that might otherwise not be seen. The eye examination also checks for serious damage.
What is the treatment for a corneal injury?
A small corneal scratch usually heals over a couple of days or so. However, an eye infection is a complication that may follow an injury or scratch to the cornea. Therefore, it is routine to prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment for a few days to prevent infection. Painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen will ease pain. See a doctor again if the eye becomes more painful or inflamed within a few days of injury.
Sometimes a small particle of wood, metal, etc, becomes slightly embedded in the cornea. This needs to be removed. It is often possible for a doctor to remove this using a cotton wool bud. Sometimes a fine needle may be needed to lift it out. Local anaesthetic eye drops are used if this is done to make the procedure painless.
If you normally wear contact lenses, do not wear them while the cornea is healing or whilst using antibiotic eye drops. Do not wear them for 24 hours after the final dose of antibiotic eye drops.
You will be referred to an eye specialist if you have a deep injury to the eye, if you had a chemical burn to the eye, or if there are any concerns that the eye is more seriously damaged.
Prevention of corneal injuries
Always wear eye protection when you drill, saw, etc, which causes flying small particles.
©EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: October 2006 PRODIGY Validated
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