What is a Corneal Abrasion?
A corneal abrasion is essentially a scratch on the outer layer of your eye (the corneal epithelium). Virtually anything can irritate your cornea: mascara brush, dust in the air, tree branch, flying debris, sports equipment and even dry eyes or wearing contact lenses. Regardless of the size of the abrasion, your eye will be at risk for infection if not treated promptly.
The most important thing to remember is to not rub your eyes if you suspect you have a corneal abrasion. You may increase the size or depth of the abrasion.
Symptoms of Corneal Abrasions
- Extreme pain
- Redness
- Grittiness
- Light sensitivity
- Tearing
- Blurry vision
- Eye twitching
- Headache
- Nausea
Treatment for Corneal Abrasions in Dallas
Schedule an eye exam right away if you are experiencing any symptoms of a corneal abrasion. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may prescribe lubricating and/or antibiotic eye drops to help them heal and prevent infection. If your abrasion is more serious, we may recommend an antibiotic ointment, steroids to decrease inflammation or medications to reduce pain.
Avoid wearing contact lenses if you have any type of eye irritation. However, special bandage contact lenses may be prescribed to aid in the healing process. These are different from regular contact lenses.
Corneal abrasions typically heal naturally when these treatments are used as directed. However, if the damage is more severe, you may develop a corneal ulcer which could lead to the need for a cornea transplant in Dallas. This would be the very last recourse for treatment options and is only recommended if there is significant vision loss.
Protect Your Eyes
The best defense against a corneal abrasion is to protect your eyes when playing sports, working or performing tasks around the house. Wear proper safety glasses/goggles and practice good contact lens hygiene to protect your eyes from flying debris, splatters, eye infections and more.
To learn more about cornea abrasion treatment in Dallas, Texas, contact us today to schedule an eye exam.
