Corneal Abrasions
Corneal abrasions are getting one of the most common eye injuries children. You happen if something like sand or dirt gets into the eye. Although sometimes painful corneal erosions are not serious and the most to heal within a few days usually. Long-term vision is rarely affected.
About corneal erosions
The eyeball sits in what is called the orbital bone. The orbital bone to protect the inner part of the eye, but it can not protect the part facing outwards. This part is called by a clear, transparent tissue covering the cornea. The cornea of the eye focus and facilitates to protect other parts of the eye, such as the iris (iris) and the pupil (the black portion narrowed in response to light). A corneal abrasion occurs when something scratches, cuts or brush against the cornea.
Corneal abrasions can be painful, but usually heal quickly and do not cause problems linger. In rare cases, corneal abrasions become infected and lead to a serious condition called corneal ulcer. Therefore, it is important to have a doctor examine your child's mind when he or she might think to have a corneal abrasion.
Causes
The eye has other defense besides the orbital bone. Eyelids and eyelashes work to keep foreign objects from the eyes. When particles to get through and land on the cornea, tear help to wash away the particles. Sometimes, when a foreign substance contacts the cornea in a manner that scratching, cutting or damage the surface.
Things that can damage the cornea include dust, sand, wood chips, hay, sparks, bugs, paper and even fingernails. The cornea can be damaged by chemical irritants, improper use of contact lenses, bright lights and reactions to things such as contact lens solutions and eye makeup.
Symptoms
Because they can affect the cornea functions as corneal erosions cause problems with vision. Your child may complain of burning or stinging in the eye, of not being able to as well as usual, or appear of things have blurred.
Other symptoms may include:
Photosensitivity
red or bloodshot eyes
swollen eyelids
A watery eyes, and increased tears
the feeling of something in the eye (foreign body sensation)
Diagnosis
If your child has any symptoms of a corneal abrasion, call a doctor. Corneal abrasions are rarely serious, but they should be investigated. The doctor may prescribe the extent of wear and eye drops to help the healing process.
To diagnose a corneal abrasion, the doctor will examine the eye and ask questions about the symptoms and what is causing the wear. It is possible your child will not know exactly what the cause of the abrasion, but probably will remember when it happened.
In some cases, the doctor will confirm a diagnosis of corneal abrasion, a test on the eye. A liquid, the fluorescein is disposed to the surface of the eye, the physician can be viewed at an eye of the filtered light. Under the light causes the fluorescein to glow no wear a light green color, so that it is clearly visible.
Other tests the doctor may perform include a standard eye exam and slit-lamp examination of the eye. These tests are performed to check the eye of vision and function.
Treatment
If your child has a corneal abrasion, you should have a doctor look at it as soon as possible. In the meantime, take these steps and precautions:
Rinse your child's eyes with clean water or a saline solution, or use an eye wash station if one is available. Flushing of the eyes helps to wash away what irritates the eye.
Instruct your child to blink several times or pull the upper eyelid over the lower. The lower eyelashes can potentially wipe out something stuck to the bottom of the upper eyelid. Pull on the eyelid and the eye is producing tears, which can help wash away debris.
If there is something stuck in your child's eyes, do not attempt to remove it. This can cause further damage to the cornea.
Tell your child not to rub the eye, and do not touch the eye with something like a cotton swab or tweezers. This may be a corneal abrasion worse.
After examining your child's eye, the doctor may recommend treatments to help heal the eye faster. The doctor can also safely remove, insert any foreign objects into the eyes.
To treat a corneal abrasion, your doctor may recommend prescription eye drops or ointment. If your child hurts your eyes, the doctor painkillers. If your child normally wears contact lenses, your doctor may instruct your child not to wear the lenses for a few days.
If the corneal abrasion not heal within a few days or the symptoms get worse after treatment, let the doctor know immediately.
Prevention
To prevent corneal abrasions, make sure that your children wear eye protection such as goggles or a face mask whenever they are working with tools that handle chemicals or participation in sports where one eye may be affected. These include sports such as squash, skiing, snowboarding, hockey and lacrosse.
When they go outside on a sunny day, children should wear sunglasses designed to block the UV rays, especially in bright places such as beaches and ski slopes. If you have pets around the house, make sure that your children are careful when you play with them. Cats, dogs and other animals to act in unpredictable ways and scrape in the eye without meaning to.
If your child wears contact lenses, make sure they fit properly and used as directed. Keeping fingernails neatly trimmed to prevent accidental scratches when inserting or removing contacts.
Around the house, be extra careful when someone uses cleaning products, drain openers and oven cleaners in particular. Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can burn the eyes. And if you are around your garden that someone in foot, trim away any branches at eye level. Plants