The cornea is the clear, frontal part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. If the cornea is injured, this can result in vision loss and other problems with the health and condition of your eyes. These kinds of injuries have many different causes, and may be referred to as corneal abrasions or corneal scratches.
We at Peña Eye Institute have helped a number of patients in the greater McAllen and Harlingen areas who've suffered corneal injuries, performing emergency eye care services and vision correction procedures to help restore vision. Let's consider the causes of corneal injuries below and then offer some tips for prevention.
Physical Trauma
Any sort of injury to the eye are can affect the parts of the eye. If you are struck in a fight, fall down face first, are involved in a motor vehicle or bicycle accidents, or are hit by an errant object thrown or falling your way, this can potentially lead to a cornea injury.
Sports Injuries
The risk of injury runs high in contact sports and combat sports. It should be no surprise that there's a potential eye injury in professional, student, and amateur competitions of all kinds. Even non-contact sports such as soccer and basketball can lead to corneal abrasions given the risk of accidental and incidental contact, such as stray elbows.
Foreign Objects in the Eye
When some dust, lint, dirt, or a splinter winds up in your eyes, your tear usually flush the object out naturally. However, if the object in the eye is not dislodged, it can remain on the surface of the eye can cause damage to the cornea.
Contact Lenses That Don't Fit
When a contact lens does not feel comfortable, it may be doing more harm than good. Corneal abrasions and other kinds of corneal injuries may be caused by an ill-fitting contact lens. Be sure to discuss any issues with your contacts with your eye doctor.
Frequent Rubbing of the Eyes
Rubbing your eyes can provide relief from irritation, but it's possible to do it way too much. Frequent and aggressive rubbing of the eyes can lead to cornea abrasions if you are not careful.
Medical Conditions
A number of eye infections and medical issues that affect the eyes can lead to corneal injuries in addition to other kinds of eye problems.
Tips to Protect Your Eyes
The best way to protect your eyes from corneal injuries is to exercise some common sense safety measures. Be sure to wear goggles and proper eye protection whenever you engage in any activity in which there's a risk of an eye injury. Additionally, always wear face or head protection when advisable to keep yourself as safe from harm as possible.
Simple safety measures like this can mean the difference between an injury and protected vision.
When Should I Seek Medical Help?
If you think you've experienced a corneal injury, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Getting professional treatment can help prevent further loss of vision.
Below are some common symptoms and warning signs of a corneal injury:
- Eye pain, especially when closing or opening the eye
- A sensation that there's a foreign object in the eye
- Frequent or excessive watering of the eye
- The eye looks red and irritated
- Increased light sensitivity
- Blurry vision or vision loss
- Headaches
Contact Peña Eye Institute
For more information about protecting your eyes from injury and improving the health of your eyes, contact an experienced vision care specialist today. The team here at Peña Eye Institute will work with you to find a suitable solution for your needs.
