Corneal abrasion is defect in the epithelium ( protective layer on front) of cornea. It is relatively a common condition seen by eye doctors in their patients.
Common Causes are:
  1. Injury by sharp objects like finger nail, toy, book edge etc
  2. Foreign body on eye like dust particle, broken glass piece etc
  3. Contact lens use
  4. Seeing Welding Arc by naked eyes
  5. Chemical injuries like sanitizer,  acids, lime, etc
  6. Other eye conditions like interned eye lashes, concretions under upper lid.
Symptoms:
Pain, redness, watering, inability to open eyes, grittiness, foreign body sensation, sensitivity to light, blurring of vision
What to do immediately?
  1. Wash eyes with saline or clean water
  2. Don’t remove any visible particle yourself
  3. Apply a patch/shield on eye.
  4. Visit eye hospital urgently
How long it takes to heal?
In otherwise healthy individuals It typically takes 2 to 3 days for Corneal abrasion to heal. In case of chemical injury,  it may take longer to heal. Healing may also delay if there is retained Foreign body on eye.
Does it cause permanent vision loss?
Most Corneal abrasions heal without any permanent vision loss. However if there is associated infection on Corneal, it may leave some permanent vision loss.
Treatment of Corneal abrasion
Though most abrasions may heal spontaneously but it is advisable to visit eye specialist because proper treatment is required to prevent secondary infection. Microscopic examination may reveal Foreign body which should be removed to avoid complications. If abrasion is large, Pressure patching of eye and bandage may be required with antibiotic ointment to expedite the healing. Patching keep eyelids tightly closed. This prevent lid movements on cornea. Lid movements often slows healing process by mechanically disturbing the growing epithelium.
Can Corneal abrasion cause delayed problems after healing is over?
Yes, some patients may develop recurrent erosions over area if abrasion, even months after healing of primary abrasion. This typically occurs after abrasions caused by sharp objects like finger nail, pencil etc. If recurrent erosion occur frequently then a laser treatment may be is required called Photo Therapeutic Keratectomy.
Conditions which can delay healing of corneal abrasions are:
  • Diabetes  (specially if uncontrolled)
  • Dry eyes
  • Chronic Contact lens use
  • Unhealthy eye lids
  • Incomplete closure of eyelids (lagophthalmos)
  • Concretions or Foreign body under eye lid.
  • Bulging eyes (Thyroid ophthalmopathy)
  • Infection in eye
  • Excessive use of computer screens , smartphone.
How long blurring of vision persist after corneal abrasion?
It may take several weeks for blurring of vision to recover. Though proper treatment and precautions may speed up visual recovery.
Can corneal abrasion cause permanent weakness in eyes or vision.?
If treated properly,  most Corneal abrasions heal completely without leaving any permanent weakness in eye or vision.
What precautions we should take to prevent corneal abrasion?
1. Use of protective goggles while doing risky activities like Contact sports, welding, using sharp instruments, playing firecrackers, driving etc
2. Children should be educated about how to handle sharp objects like pencils etc.
Avoid harmful activities like playing Holi with chemical colors.
3. Small children often hit eyes of parents / Guardians by their fingers.  If their nails are trimmed regularly then corneal abrasions can be prevented.
4. Proper care while applying or removing Contact lenses.
5. Do not rub eyes on case of any injury by particle.