Quantcast Small corneal abrasions that can't be seen with the naked eye are easily seen with fluorescent dye, which "lights" up the abrasions. This large corneal abrasion can be seen with the naked eye, but fluorescent dye shows the full extent of involvement. This classic abrasion demonstrates the typical ragged edge of a corneal abrasion.
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Corneal Abrasion:
Information for adults

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Picture of Corneal Abrasion: Small corneal abrasions that can't be seen with the naked eye are easily seen with fluorescent dye, which "lights" up the abrasions. Divider line
Small corneal abrasions that can't be seen with the naked eye are easily seen with fluorescent dye, which "lights" up the abrasions.
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Overview
A corneal abrasion is a scratch or cut (abrasion) of the clear outer layer (cornea) of the eye. Injury (trauma) is the most common cause for corneal abrasions. The most common trauma causes are:
  • Scratches from fingernails (human and animal).
  • Foreign objects hitting the cornea (eg, dirt, wood splinters, metal shavings, plants, tree branches, etc).
  • Curling irons.
  • Excessive rubbing of the eye.
  • Overexposure to ultraviolet light.
  • Arc welding light exposure.
  • Over wearing of contact lenses.
  • Ill-fitting contact lenses.
  • Torn contact lenses.
  • Makeup brushes.
  • Paper cuts.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Irregular eyelashes rubbing the cornea or falling off into the eye.
  • A foreign object that gets caught under the eyelid, which then irritates the cornea each time you blink.
Other causes include underlying eye conditions, such as:
  • Inability to fully close the eyelids.
  • Abnormalities of the lid position.
  • Severe dry eye conditions.
  • Severe, chronic blepharitis (inflamed eyelids).
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008

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