Corneal Abrasion

Description

A corneal abrasion is an open sore or cut in the thin, transparent layers that cover the eye (the cornea). It is more likely to occur in sports activities where there is close contact and no eye protection, such as wrestling, and in sports played out in the wind or in sand, dust, or gravel.

Frequent signs and symptoms

• Eye pain that may be severe

• Sensitivity to bright light

• Eyelid spasm

• Tearing

• Blurred vision

• Redness in the white of the eye

• Drainage of fluid from the eye

Causes

Corneal abrasion is caused by injury to the cornea or by the imbedding in the cornea of a foreign body, such as a small piece of steel, glass, or sand. A bacterial infection—usually Pneumococcus, Streptococcus, or Staphylococcus—may follow the injury.

Factors that increase risk

• Use of contact lenses, especially if they are ill fitting or with prolonged use, and soft lenses

• Sports activities in which close contact about the head and neck are legal and no gloves are used, such as wrestling and rugby

• Sports in which sand, dust, and gravel are common, such as beach volleyball and off-road racing (auto, motorcycle, and bicycle)

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