Corneal injury

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Cornea

Corneal injury describes an injury to the cornea. The cornea is the crystal clear (transparent) tissue covering the front of the eye. It works with the lens of the eye to focus images on the retina.

See also: Corneal ulcers and infections

Injuries to the cornea are common.

Injuries to the outer surface of the cornea, called corneal abrasions, may be caused by:

• Chemical irritation - from almost any fluid that gets into the eye
• Overuse of contact lenses or lenses that don't fit correctly
• Reaction or sensitivity to contact lens solutions and cosmetics
• Scratches or scrapes on the surface of the cornea (called an abrasion)
• Something getting into the eye (such as sand or dust)
• Sunlight, sun lamps, snow or water reflections, or arc-welding

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Infections may also damage the cornea.

You are more likely to develop a corneal injury if you:

• Are exposed to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light for long periods of time
• Have ill-fitting contact lenses or overuse your contact lenses
• Have very dry eyes
• Work in a dusty environment

High-speed particles, such as chips from hammering metal on metal, may become embedded in the surface of the cornea. Rarely, they may pass through the cornea and go deeper into the eye.

Review Date: 07/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Opthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).