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 plant leaf
or by a fingernail. Also 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.
The pain may be quite bad, even from a small scratch, as the cornea is
very sensitive. Sometimes the eye injury is more severe and goes deeper
than the cornea.
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| Photograph of a large Corneal abrasion highlighted by use of a blue stain. |
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Your
doctor may use a magnifying instrument to examine your eye. A special
blue stain (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 quickly, over a
couple of days or so but can be very painful requiring regular pain relief
(eg:paracetamol or aspirin type tablets). An eye infection may follow
an injury or scratch to the cornea, therefore it is routine to prescribe
antibiotic eye drops for a few days to prevent infection from developing.
You should 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. It is often possible for your 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.
