Skip to main content

Corneal Abrasion and Ulceration

Jon S Parham, DO, MPH, FAAFP Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

As the most anterior eye structure, a cornea is unique: mechanical & immunologic eye protector, light refractor/transmitter, and conduit for nutrients & oxygen via tears to the eye. 

DESCRIPTION

DIAGNOSIS

Key historical questions & a systematic eye examination keenly focus the diagnosis 

HISTORY

  • Ask about recent significant ocular trauma, if so, consider penetrating injury

  • Acute corneal fore...

TREATMENT

Goals: control pain, prevent infection, and teach patient daily self monitoring (vision degradation, excess pain) 

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Normal saline irrigation of ocular surface and both fornices...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

It is best to follow-up ALL corneal abrasions in 24 hours; especially lesions ≥4 mm, or decreased vision, or abrasions due to contact lenses, st...

REFERENCES

1
Ambikkumar A, Arthurs B, El-Hadad C. Corneal foreign bodies. CMAJ. 2022;194(11):E419.
2
Amed F, House RJ, Feldman BH. Corneal abrasions and corneal foreign bodies. Prim Care Clin Off Pract. ...

ADDITIONAL READING

Arbabi EM, Kelly RJ, Carrim ZI. Corneal ulcers in general practice. Br J Gen Pract. 2018;68:49-50  

CODES

ICD10

  • S05.00XA Inj conjunctiva and corneal abrasion w/o fb, unsp eye, init

  • H16.009 Unspecified corneal ulcer, unspecified eye

  • H16.049 Marginal corneal ulcer, unspecified eye

  • H16.019 Central corneal ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Visual acuity testing is THE vital sign at the beginning of every eye visit

  • When corneal abrasion is healed and asymptomatic, contact lens use may restart.

  • Eye patching is NOT recommende...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

 
×