What is it?
A painful scratch or cut on the cornea, the clear window over the front of the eye.
Who does it affect?
Abrasions can be the result of accidental trauma, foreign objects in the eye, or surgery. They may also be caused by underlying conditions such as Basement Membrane Dystrophies.
How is it treated?
Antibiotic drops and pain-reducing, anti-inflammatory drops are the mainstay of therapy. Often a bandage contact lens is used for pain control in larger abrasions. Tear plugs also may be helpful in treatment and prevention. The cornea has so many exposed nerve endings that abrasions cause a tremendous level of pain. Fortunately, it is one of the quickest healing tissues in the body.