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A corneal abrasion is a scrape or scratch injury of the cornea.
This painful condition can be caused by a small foreign body, trauma, contact lens use, malnutrition, dry eye syndromes, and certain cancer therapies. The abrasion allows organisms to enter, leading to corneal infection. Bacterial, protozoal, and fungal infections can lead to corneal ulceration, a deeper injury.
This problem is an emergency because the cornea has no separate blood supply and infections that can permanently impair vision develop rapidly.

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A corneal ulcer is a defect in the surface epithelium of the cornea that involves the underlying stoma. It is common in contact lens wearers and presents as eye pain, blurry vision, and photophobia.

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What is the difference between a corneal ulcer and a corneal abrasion?

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Abrasion:

Feeling that you have something in your eye

A teary red eye

Blurred vison in one eye, headache, or unusual sensitivity to

light

Ulceration:

Red teary eye

Eye pain, eye ache

Pus or other eye discharge

Blurred vision

Swollen eyelids

Light sensitivity

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Pressure patch over eye

An antibiotic in either eye drops or an eye ointment to prevent an infection from developing in the injured area.

Topical analgesic

A referral to ophthalmitis

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Treatment options for corneal ulceration

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Treatment options for corneal ulceration

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Treatment of Corneal ulceration depends on the cause and severity of the ulcer.

Refer the patient urgently or semi-urgently depending on the size and location of the ulcer

Perform a corneal culture and sensitivity test to identify the causative agent

Prescribe topical or oral antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or antimicrobials according to the culture results.

Use frequent therapy with fortified or broad-spectrum eye drops.

Pain medication is sometimes prescribed to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Avoid ointments for deep ulcers at risk of perforation!

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Wash your hands before touching your eyes.

Don’t sleep in contact lenses or use them longer than directed.

Only use contact lens solution to clean and store lenses and never water or saliva

Wear eye protection around dust, dirt, or other particles that can enter your eyes.

Use lubricating eye drops to moisturize your eyes.

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Wear safety goggles or other eye protection, especially when working outdoors or with wood or metals.

Clip children’s and pets’ nails.

Be careful with eye makeup or other beauty products when applying.

Follow care instructions for contact lenses.