Corneal abrasion is a condition which affects the eye. The surface epithelial layer of the eye’s cornea is lost in this medical condition. It is a result of trauma to the surface of the eye.
There are different causes of corneal abrasions:
- It may happen when something hits your eyes. For instance, while hiking, if the person who is walking in front of you lets go of a tree branch, it could hit your eye. It causes an abrasion to the cornea.
- A foreign body may lodge under the eye’s upper lid. For example, a piece of wood or sand. Every time you blink, you feel like scratching the corneal surface.
- An injury to your cornea may occur when some foreign particles gets in your eye. For instance, when the wind blows a small stone into your eyes. This particle may scratch the cornea.
- Ash from a hot burning cigarette may fly into the eye and cause a corneal abrasion.
- Particles flying at a high speed may penetrate your eye and injure deeper structures. For example, a small metal scrap flying into the eye of a person who uses grinding wheel without protective eyewear. This may cause a serious injury. It may demand an immediate medical attention to prevent permanent loss of vision.
- Another common cause is when a young child accidentally pokes you in the eye with his/her fingernail.
- Rubbing your eyes excessively may lead to an corneal abrasion.
- If you are wearing contact lenses for longer duration, then it may injure the corneal surface and finally cause a corneal abrasion.
- Certain eye infections may also cause corneal abrasions. This injury may be permanent or temporary.
