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Corneal Injury

Acute traumatic damage to the corneal epithelium, stroma or full thickness.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Göz Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Corneal Injury?

Corneal injury encompasses any acute trauma to the cornea, classified as superficial abrasion, foreign body, chemical or thermal burn, ultraviolet (welder) photokeratitis, or full-thickness laceration with or without intraocular foreign body. Mechanisms include fingernail scratches, contact-lens-related trauma, vegetative matter, metallic projectiles, sports injuries, and chemical splashes (alkali burns being most severe).

Pathophysiology depends on depth: superficial epithelial defects heal within 24-72 hours by re-epithelialization, while stromal injury risks scarring and irregular astigmatism. Penetrating injury can cause iris prolapse, traumatic cataract, lens subluxation, retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, and sympathetic ophthalmia. Chemical burns — especially alkali — cause limbal stem-cell loss with persistent epithelial defects and corneal opacification.

Diagnosis combines history, slit-lamp examination with fluorescein staining showing the epithelial defect, Seidel test for full-thickness wound (aqueous leak), and imaging (B-scan, CT-orbit) to exclude intraocular foreign body. Treatment includes copious irrigation for chemical burns, topical antibiotics, cycloplegic agents, lubricants, and bandage contact lens for abrasions. Surgical repair with corneal sutures or amniotic membrane is required for lacerations. Tetanus prophylaxis is essential.

Symptoms

Severe eye pain and photophobia
Foreign-body sensation
Tearing and blepharospasm
Blurred vision
Conjunctival injection
Epithelial defect on fluorescein staining
Visible foreign body or laceration

Risk Factors

Industrial work without eye protection
Contact lens use, especially overnight
Sports without protective eyewear
Welding without filter
Chemical handling exposure
Vegetative-matter exposure (gardening)
Pediatric age with high-risk play

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Sudden severe eye pain after trauma
  • Visual loss following injury
  • Suspected intraocular foreign body
  • Chemical splash to the eye (urgent irrigation)
  • Persistent foreign body sensation
  • Photophobia after welding without filter

Treatment Methods

01
Immediate copious irrigation for chemical burns
02
Topical antibiotics (fluoroquinolone)
03
Cycloplegic agents for pain relief
04
Bandage contact lens for select abrasions
05
Surgical repair of full-thickness lacerations
06
Removal of corneal foreign body
07
Tetanus prophylaxis and follow-up examination

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Göz Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Göz Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.