A corneal abrasion is a scratch or injury to the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. This is a very common occurrence in children.
There are many things that can cause an abrasion to the cornea. The more common causes include the following:
When these objects have contact with the surface of the eye, a small abrasion can occur.
The following are the most common symptoms of a corneal abrasion. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of a corneal abrasion any resemble other eye conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
Diagnosis is usually made based on a complete medical history and physical examination of your child's eye. Local anesthetic drops may be placed in the eye in order to examine the child. In addition, your child's physician may use a fluorescein stain to help confirm the diagnosis. This is done by placing a small amount of a dye in the child's eye. The stain does not hurt the child. A special light is then used to look at the surface of the cornea, and any abrasion or scratch can be seen.
Specific treatment for a corneal abrasion will be determined by your child's physician based on:
Most corneal abrasions heal quickly and do not cause any permanent damage to the eye. Treatment may include:
Click here to view the
Online Resources of Common Childhood Injuries & Poisonings