When Your Child Experiences Corneal Abrasion - Arohi Eye Hospital

1. Children are more susceptible to injuries as they are more prone to risky behavior. One such injury is that of the eyes. Corneal abrasion is one of the most common injuries that a child can encounter, which is caused when the uppermost surface of the eye – the cornea – is scratched or cut. The cornea has a high number of sensory nerves that sends pain sensations to the brain. This makes corneal abrasion a very painful experience. Most corneal abrasions are minor and can heal on their own without any treatment. But, it is still important to see an eye doctor to make sure that the abrasion is not too deep or big. Arohi Eye Hospital is the best child eye clinic in Andheri Westyou can approach to have your child’s eye checked and treated at the earliest, and in the best way possible. What is corneal abrasion? Corneal abrasion is the condition of the eye when there is a scratch to the surface of the cornea. The scratch made causes the eye to go red, giving a feeling of pain and making the eyes sensitive to light. It generally takes 3-5 days to recover from this

2. condition, but the time period may vary depending upon the severity of the condition. What causes corneal abrasion? The most common cause of a corneal abrasion is when a foreign body enters the eye. Other causes may be due to any kind of minor trauma to the eye like when the fingernail scratches the cornea. In adults, a damaged or expired contact lens put into the eyes can also cause this condition. What is the probability of a corneal abrasion? When your child’s eyes go red, and he starts having trouble with bright lights, and you find that he is squinting too much, or that his eyes are producing excessive tears, you may consider that he may be suffering from a corneal abrasion. Crusty buildup from excessive tears may also be present. How is corneal abrasion diagnosed? Diagnosis of corneal abrasion is done by slit lamp examination, after fluorescein dye has been applied. While it may also be done with ophthalmoscopes, a slip lamp examination provides higher magnification, which allows for a more thorough evaluation. How is corneal abrasion treated? The treatment of corneal abrasion varies with every individual condition. The most general treatment involves applying an antibiotic ointment. Paracetamol, eye drops, and NSAIDs can help treat the associated pain. In case of a foreign body – The patient is asked to lie down, and the eye is illuminated with a medical light. He is then asked to focus on a particular point on the ceiling so that the foreign body sits centrally between the eyelids, which is then carefully removed after instilling a local anesthetic into the eye. The tools used to remove the foreign substance may include a cotton tip or a hypodermic needle. When medications are required – The general treatment involves treatment includes antibiotic ointments (erythromycin, bacitracin or bacitracin/polymyxin B every 2 or 4 hours) or antibiotic drops, usually polymyxin B and trimethoprim 4 times a day. Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce the pain caused by corneal abrasions. Diclofenac and ketorolac are also the most recommended, the prescription being one drop four times a day. If the corneal

3. abrasion is caused due to contact lenses, fingernails, or organic/plant matter, antibiotic prophylaxis should be provided with topical fluoroquinolone drops 4 times a day, and a fluoroquinolone ointment. Patching – Eye patching is another way to help recover from corneal abrasion. Although eye patching does not help with healing or pain, it keeps the eye prevented and safe. It helps decrease oxygen delivery, and increase moisture. For more information, visit: http://www.arohieye.in/