How to check corneal abrasion

Corneal abrasions are scratches of varying degrees on the cornea, such as corneal epithelial defects. Corneal abrasions are related to many factors, especially trauma. There are usually special examination items to check for corneal abrasions, which can be used to check whether there are foreign objects in the cornea.

1. Oblique illumination method

Corneal epithelial defects can be found by using focused light (such as a flashlight) at an oblique angle. At the same time, attention should be paid to looking for corneal or conjunctival foreign bodies.

2. Fluorescein staining

If epithelial defects cannot be found by oblique illumination, fluorescein staining can be used. The method is to use a drop of 20% sodium fluorescein sterile solution, drop it into the conjunctival sac, ask the patient to close his eyes for 5 minutes, and then wait for a while. The patient's tears can wash away the remaining dye in the conjunctival sac (if there is still a lot of dye, it can be removed by flushing with saline). At this time, the corneal epithelial defect is easy to find because it is dyed green.

3. Fluorescent paper staining

That is, use a sterilized fluorescent paper tape, drop a drop of sterile saline, and let one end touch the conjunctiva of the eyelid.

4. Projection method

Check for small, unnoticeable scratches. When the cornea is illuminated with a well-focused light source, a projection of the epithelial defect area can be seen on the iris surface. If the projection angle is changed, the projection will move in the opposite direction accordingly.

5. Microscopic examination of cracks

If the patient is examined in a hospital with ophthalmic equipment, examination with a slit microscope is of course more convenient.

6. Others

Corneal abrasions are caused by foreign objects, especially solid objects with rough surfaces, that come into contact with or rub against the surface of the cornea, which can cause varying degrees of corneal abrasions. Such as corneal epithelial defect or exfoliation.