The term abrasion means scratch and corneal abrasion is the presence of any scratches on the cornea. The cornea is the protective layer of tissue over iris and pupil of the eye. When any dirt falls into the eye it affects the cornea causing mild scratches called as corneal abrasion. It will cause discomfort, irritation and pain. Always remember to wash your eyes with clear cool water when something falls into it and do not rub your eyes which will worsen the condition. Since the cornea has multiple nerve endings below its surface any scratches on the cornea will be more painful.
Causes :
You can get something poked into the eyes like fingernail or edges of plant or even your eyeliner or brush. Dirt, debris, ash or sand can enter into your eyes and get blocked. Any insect can sting the eyelids causing scratches on the cornea. Constant rubbing of your eyes, wearing poor fitting lenses, eye infections and eye injury can damage the cornea.
A piece of sawdust or sand can find its way into the eyes affecting the upper eyelids causing scratches and pain. In some cases, a tiny metal fragment can fly into your eye if you are not using protective covering on your eyes.
Symptoms :
The first symptom during corneal abrasion is the gritting sensation due to presence of foreign particle. There will be pain, irritation and watery eyes. Except for chemical injury corneal abrasions are seen only in one eye. Your vision will become blurred or distorted for some time. There can be eye pain and difficulty in opening the eyes. Eye inflammation or swelling of eyelids caused by spasm of the eye muscles that surrounds the cornea is present. The infected eye becomes sensitive to light and there will be excess of tears.
Diagnoses :
A diagnosis is pretty simple and straightforward. Your ophthalmologist will observe your eyes through microscope for detecting eye infection or injury. He would apply eye drops on the affected eye for dilating it so that it becomes clear during examination.