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Corneal Abrasions, Sports Medicine

Nilesh Shah, MD, FAAFP, CAQSM and Mark A. Diamond, MD Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Removal or scraping away of the superficial layers of the cornea (stratified squamous epithelium) without penetration of Bowman membrane

  • In some cases, the bulbar conjunctiva is also ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Mechanism of injury guides physical exam for associated injuries and delineates the need for further studies.

  • History of previous injuries: possible viral keratitis or recurrent erosio...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • The goal of treatment is to prevent bacterial superinfection, speed healing, and provide symptomatic relief to patients.

  • Long-term treatment

ALERT
  • Long-term use of topical anest...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • If abrasion is small (4 mm or less), vision is normal, and symptoms improving, follow-up is not necessarily needed.

  • Follow-up within 24 hr is necessary for those w...

REFERENCES

1
Puls HA, Cabrera D, Murad MH, et al. Safety and effectiveness of topical anesthetics in corneal abrasions: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Emerg Med.  2015;49(5):816–824.
2
Wakai...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Ahmed F, House RJ, Feldman BH. Corneal abrasions and corneal foreign bodies. Prim Care.  2015;42(3):363–375.

  • Aslam SA, Sheth HG, Vaughan AJ. Emergency management of corneal inju...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Return to play is based on patient comfort. Once the pain is under control and the patient is not having any visual difficulties, he or she may return to play.

  • Patients may wear their c...

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