Treatment
Anyone with severe eye pain needs to be evaluated in an emergency care center or by an ophthalmologist immediately.
Treatment for corneal injuries may involve:
- Removing any foreign material from the eye
- Eye patch
- Antibiotic drops or ointments
DO NOT try to remove an object stuck in your eye without professional medical assistance. See: First aid for eye emergencies
A particle that is large enough to damage the cornea may not be see without a magnifying glass or special eye drops that stain the eye.
You should avoid driving and other potentially dangerous situations while wearing an eye patch, since it can affect your depth perception.
If the corneal injury is due to a chemical burn, seek immediate medical attention. Many household products contain strong acids or other chemicals. Drain cleaners and oven cleaners are particularly dangerous. If chemicals are splashed in the eye, the eye should be IMMEDIATELY flushed with tap water for 15 minutes, and the patient should be quickly taken to the nearest emergency room.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Injuries that affect only the surface of the cornea normally heal very rapidly with treatment, and the eye should be back to normal within 2 days.
Penetrating corneal injuries are much more serious. The outcome dependsd on the specific injury.
Complications
Severe corneal injury may require extensive surgery or a cornea transplant.
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if the injury has not significantly improved in 2 days with treatment.
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Corneal injury : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Corneal injury : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Corneal injury : Treatment
Review Date : 7/28/2008
Reviewed By : Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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