Corneal Abrasion

ESSENTIAL — History of compatible trauma
  • If not, seek other Dx
Heals on its own in 24 hours
  • Longer duration of Sx implies other Dx
Abrasions visible on exam, certainly by fluorescein
  • Vertical abrasion implies foreign body stuck under upper lid
“Cross Photophobia” implies deeper injury, into anterior chamber
  • Shine penlight in unaffected eye causes pain in the injured one (from consensual pupillary reaction)
Injury occurring in metal shop, or any setting where steel is cut / hammered, suggests intraocular foreign body
  • Send to ophtho based on Hx alone

See posting Red Eye – 1.