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Corneal Abrasion and Ulceration

Christine S. Persaud, MBA, MD and Edward M Degerman, MD Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Corneal abrasions: result from cutting, scratching, or abrading the thin, protective, clear coat of the exposed anterior portion of the ocular epithelium. These injuries cause pain, ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Check for recent ocular trauma and acute pain. Other symptoms include photophobia, pain with extraocular muscle movement, eye twitching, excessive tearing, blepharospasm, foreign body...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Most uncomplicated corneal abrasions heal in 24 to 48 hours.

  • May not require follow-up if lesion is <4 mm, uncomplicated abrasion, normal vision, and resolving symptoms

  • But ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Follow-up not necessary for small (<4 mm), uncomplicated abrasions, normal vision, and resolving symptoms

  • Lesions >4 mm, decreased vision, ...

REFERENCES

1
Malafa  MM, Coleman  JE, Bowman  RW, et al. Perioperative corneal abrasion: updated guidelines for prevention and management. Plast Reconstr Surg.  2016;137(5)...

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

  • Contact lenses use should be discontinued until corneal abrasion or ulcer is healed and pain is fully resolved.

  • Eye patching is not recommended.

  • Prescribe topical and/or oral analgesic m...

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