Eye scratches are common in the Pediatric population. The Cornea is the commonest part of the eye to get scratched and this can be very painful. The cornea is a thin layer of tissue that covers the iris (colored part of the eye) and pupil (the central black part of the eye). Most children who get scratched in the eye have a history of playing with an object that either scraped the eye or got into the eyelid and kept scratching the eyeball and they refuse to open the eyes because of eye pain. Corneal abrasions are common in children who wear contact lenses.
Diagnosis-An eye exam using Fluorescein eye drops and special Ultraviolet light will highlight the abrasion or it can be seen with a regular ophthalmoscope if the scratch is big enough. Foreign bodies usually hide under the eyelids so a good eye exam is important to remove foreign bodies
Treatment- Wash out the eyes with running water or fill a plastic cup to the brim with water and have your child place his eye on it.
Antibiotic eye ointment prescribed by your child’s doctor applied to the irritated eye three times a day for 3-5days will help the abrasion to heal.
Follow up with the eye doctor if your child has any blurred vision or persistent pain with looking at a bright light (Photophobia)
A scratched cornea using woods lamp/Fluorescein dye
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