A corneal laceration involves a cut or tear on the cornea which is the anterior layer of the eyeball. The injury is typically brought about by a sharp object that enters the eye or an impact or strike.
Indications of a corneal laceration
If an individual is suspected with a corneal laceration, the usual indications include the following:
- Eye pain with a sensation of something stuck in the eye
- The vision is affected and there is light sensitivity
- Pupil appears tear-shaped instead of round
- Bleeding in the eye
Eye pain with a sensation of something stuck in the eye.
What are the causes?
The usual causes of a corneal laceration include activities that causes something to enter the eye such as carving stone or chopping wood.
It is important to note that a corneal laceration is a deeper injury than a corneal abrasion that involves a scratch to the cornea instead of cutting through it.
Management of a corneal laceration
Once a corneal laceration is suspected, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention. An ophthalmologist or eye specialist will carefully assess the eye. Numbing drops might be used to make the assessment comfortable and encourage the individual to keep the eye open.
An eye stain might also be utilized to help detect the degree of damage in the affected eye. It is important to note that surgery might be required to fix a corneal laceration. If there are any fragments left in the eye, it should also be removed. The eye is usually patched after surgery for protection.
Quick Note / Disclaimer
The material posted on this page on a corneal laceration is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize and manage eye injuries including a laceration, register for a first aid and CPR course with Mississauga First Aid.