Scratched Cornea

The cornea is that dome like transparent layer of the eye that covers the iris, pupil and the anterior chamber. Measuring about 0.5 mm thick, the cornea is transparent due to the absence of blood vessels. It is this transparency that enables the eye to have maximum vision clarity. This cornea not only protects the inner regions of the eye from germs and other harmful particles, but also acts as the eye's outermost lens by bending the incoming light. It acts like a window, controlling the light entering the eye, which is why it plays an important role in providing good vision. When this delicate, transparent layer gets scratched, searing pain is experienced by the person. At times, the person even finds it difficult to open the eye. This condition in which the cornea gets scratched is called corneal abrasion. Let's find out how the cornea gets scratched.

Causes

The different ways in which the cornea of the eye can get scratched are as follows:

• When the eye is accidentally poked.
• When wood shavings, sand particles, small metal particles, etc. barge their way into the eye.
• Rubbing the eyes vigorously due to irritation.
• When cigarette ash gets stuck in the eye and scratches the cornea.
• Alterations in the cornea can also be caused after exposure to ultraviolet light from welding arcs.
• Wearing contact lenses for more than the recommended time can also conduce to scratches on cornea, especially when one sleeps off with the lens on.
• When dried leaf particles, dust, etc. enter the eye and scratch it with their sharp edges.
• Pine needles blown into the eye can cause delayed inflammation in the eye.

Symptoms

• Constant tearing of the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Feeling that sand is stuck in the eye
• Eye pain when the eye is exposed to bright light
• Blurred vision, which can lead to loss of vision
• Swelling of the eye
• Reddish hue to the eyeball
• Headache

Treatment

The encouraging part about painful corneal abrasions is that they can be easily healed. As soon as you identify the symptoms of scratched cornea; blurred vision, cornea pain, etc., go quickly to the washroom and flush your eyes with running tap water. If saline solution is available, use it to rinse the eye. Try to get the abrasive out. Blinking your eyes several times after rinsing will also help get rid of the foreign particle stuck in the eye.

In case of swelling, place an ice pack to subside it. If you wear contact lenses, remove them and do not wear them till your eye has been healed. Moreover, there are some things that you should not do when you identify a scratched cornea. Do not rub your eyes and if the particle stuck in your eye is a large one, do not try and pry it out on your own. There is danger of causing more damage to the eyeball. Rush to the ophthalmologist and let him handle it.

Healing Time

Consult an ophthalmologist as soon as you can (within the next 24 hours). After medication, it will take about 2-3 days to feel better. During the healing time, the eye is not to be exposed to light. No stress should be given and activities like watching television, reading, etc. are not allowed. During the healing process, one is prohibited from rubbing ones eyes. A medicated eye patch may be given to protect the cornea temporarily. Taking all precautions and medication, the cornea should heal completely in a week or two.

Just because a scratched cornea heals quickly does not mean one can neglect the condition. If not treated on time, it can conduce to infections which can lead to blurred vision or even vision loss. Thus, one needs to take the condition seriously.