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Photokeratitis or ultraviolet keratitis is a painful eye condition, caused by exposure of insufficiently protected eyes to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from either natural or artificial sources. Photokeratitis is akin to a sunburn of the cornea and conjuncti... morePhotokeratitis or ultraviolet keratitis is a painful eye condition, caused by exposure of insufficiently protected eyes to the ultraviolet (UV) rays from either natural or artificial sources. Photokeratitis is akin to a sunburn of the cornea and conjunctiva, and is not usually noticed until several hours after exposure. Common symptoms include pain (described as like having sand poured into the eyes), intense tears, eyelid twitching, discomfort from bright light, and constricted pupils. The injury may be prevented by wearing eye protection that blocks most of the ultraviolet radiation, such as welding goggles with the proper filters, a welder's helmet, sunglasses rated for sufficient UV protection, or appropriate snow goggles. The condition is usually managed by removal from the source of ultraviolet, covering the corneas, and administration of pain relief. The pain may be temporarily decrease with anesthetic eye drops. less
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A corneal laceration is a partial- or full-thickness injury to the cornea. A partial-thickness injury does not violate the globe of the eye (abrasion). The physician must be meticulous in examining the cornea and periorbital structures if there is suspici... moreA corneal laceration is a partial- or full-thickness injury to the cornea. A partial-thickness injury does not violate the globe of the eye (abrasion). The physician must be meticulous in examining the cornea and periorbital structures if there is suspicion of a corneal laceration. Typically, patients who present with this type of injury complain of an intensely painful, profusely lacrimating eye. The bulbar conjunctiva will be injected with prominent blood vessels. A full-thickness injury will allow aqueous humor to escape the anterior chamber, which can result in a flat-appearing cornea, air bubbles under the cornea, or an asymmetric pupil secondary to the iris protruding through the corneal defect. less
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Contusion injuries of the eye and surrounding structures may cause “black eye”. A person with an eye contusion has a bruise to the skin and soft tissues around the eye. Most people refer to this as a black eye. A bruise is a collection of blood beneath th... moreContusion injuries of the eye and surrounding structures may cause “black eye”. A person with an eye contusion has a bruise to the skin and soft tissues around the eye. Most people refer to this as a black eye. A bruise is a collection of blood beneath the skin, caused by blood vessels that have broken at the time of an injury. Symptoms of an eye contusion may include eye pain, swelling around the eye, bruising around the eye and eye redness. Other symptoms include blurry vision and excessive tearing. Treatment for an eye contusion may include cold compresses and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain less
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Corneal abrasion is a medical condition involving the loss of the surface epithelial layer of the eye's cornea. Corneal abrasions are generally a result of trauma to the surface of the eye. Common causes include jabbing a finger into an eye, walking into ... moreCorneal abrasion is a medical condition involving the loss of the surface epithelial layer of the eye's cornea. Corneal abrasions are generally a result of trauma to the surface of the eye. Common causes include jabbing a finger into an eye, walking into a tree branch, getting grit in the eye and then rubbing the eye or being hit with a piece of projectile metal. A foreign body in the eye may also cause a scratch if the eye is rubbed. Injuries can also be incurred by "hard" contact lenses that have been left in too long. Damage may result when the lenses are removed, rather than when the lens is still in contact with the eye. In addition, if the cornea becomes excessively dry, it may become more brittle and easily damaged by movement across the surface. Symptoms of corneal abrasion include pain, photophobia, a foreign-body sensation, excessive squinting, and a reflex production of tears. Although small abrasions may require no specific treatment, larger abrasions are typically treated for a few days with a topic less
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Intraocular foreign body requires emergency treatment by an opththalmologist. Patients giving a history of “something hitting the eye” , particularly if it happens while hammering on metal or using grinding equipment. It must be carefully assessed for the... moreIntraocular foreign body requires emergency treatment by an opththalmologist. Patients giving a history of “something hitting the eye” , particularly if it happens while hammering on metal or using grinding equipment. It must be carefully assessed for the posibility of an intraocular foreign body, especially when no corneal foreign body is seen, no corneal wound, or there is a marked visual loss or media opacity. Such patients must be treated as for corneal laceration and reffered without delay to an ophthalmologist. Intraocular foreign bodies significantly increase risk of intraocular infection. less
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If a patient complains of “something in my eye” and give a consistent history, a foreign body is usually present on the cornea or under the upper lid eventhough it may not be readily visible. If there is no infection, a layer of corneal epithelial cells w... moreIf a patient complains of “something in my eye” and give a consistent history, a foreign body is usually present on the cornea or under the upper lid eventhough it may not be readily visible. If there is no infection, a layer of corneal epithelial cells will line the crater within 24 hours. Early infection is manifested by a white necrotic area around the crater and a small amount of grey exudate. If a foreign body is present, it can easily be removed by passing a wet sterile cotton-tipped applicator across the conjunctival surface. less
