Corneal abrasions are a common presentation, and generally result from minor trauma to the eye, such as from a fingernail, or a foreign body, particularly if the eye is then rubbed.
Symptoms: pain, watering, foreign body sensation, light sensitivity
Signs: fluorescein drops will stain the abraded area of the cornea
Corneal abrasions in adults can be managed by community optometrists. The majority heal within 24-72 hours.
Treatment :
Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment – 3 times daily for 3 days.
Frequency & duration guided by severity & response to treatment.
Optional lubricating ointment (e.g. Xailin Night) may be added in-between, i.e. alternating with the chloramphenicol.
Simple analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may be required for pain relief
After healing:
Following healing, use of lubricants may be recommended, for 3-6 months, particularly if the patient has a history of dry eyes, or other corneal problems, in order to prevent recurrent erosion syndrome.
A typical regime would be a lubricant ointment at night (e.g. Xailin Night) and optionally lubricant drops (e.g. carbomer, sodium hyaluronate) 4 times daily. Lubricant eye drops & ointments can be purchased ‘over the counter’ in pharmacies.
Children
Children with signs of corneal abrasion can be referred to the hospital eye clinic; although corneal abrasions in children can also be managed by community optometrists where they feel confident to do so.
Treatment is generally as per adults – however children do not generally get recurrent corneal erosions and hence longer term lubricants are not required.
