Damage to the cornea of the eye: causes, symptoms, treatment

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Unfortunately, cat breeders, even the most experienced of them, periodically face the negative consequences of communicating with their pets. Let's consider the question of what to do if a cat scratches its eye. In case of unforeseen consequences of the behavior of a domestic predator, it is very important to know the sequence of correct actions in a given situation. The principle of action is almost the same regardless of who is injured - an adult, a child or a recently acquired puppy.

We will not delve too deeply into the reasons for this behavior of a pet or pet. Perhaps the animal was just acting out, perhaps the question is that the aggression was shown by a cat - a mother instinctively protecting her kittens, or a sick animal, which now, perhaps even accidentally, was hurt during medical procedures.

Causes

A scratch on the cornea of the eye is a mechanical injury, which means that this type of injury can be caused by an object.
This pathology can be caused by dust, grains of sand, wood shavings, or a piece of stone or glass getting into the eyes. In addition, increased friction of the eye when a foreign object gets into it can cause damage to the corneal layer. Another reason why the cornea of the eye can be scratched is wearing contact lenses for too long. Mascara that gets into the eye can cause damage to the membrane of the organ of vision, which leads to redness and increased tearing. Often, pathology develops in the absence of protection of the visual organs during surgery and in various eye diseases present in humans.

In addition to the reasons, experts identify some factors, the impact of which on the body can lead to damage to the cornea. A scratch can occur when the cornea is too dry or thin, or when working in conditions that predispose to eye injury. Accidental eye damage can also occur when playing certain sports.

Detailed description of commonly used medications

"Diclofenac"

If an organ is damaged, Diclofenac will help cope with pain.

Anti-inflammatory eye drops that have an additional analgesic effect. Used to relieve non-infectious inflammation, as well as after traumatic damage to the organs of vision and surgery. The drug is not recommended for use by people with bronchial asthma, children under 2 years of age and pregnant women. Side effects:

tearfulness;
burning;
redness of the eyes;
deterioration in vision clarity;
edema.

"Okomistin"

An antiseptic that is used for conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, keratouveitis, as well as for injuries to the visual organs. The drug "Okomistin" is contraindicated for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding and children. After instillation, sometimes there is a short-term feeling of burning and stinging.

"Vitasik"

The drug combines well with hydrophilic lenses.

The drug stimulates the regeneration of tissues of the organs of vision, improves blood circulation and the healing process after eye injury and keratoplasty. Drops are also used when wearing hydrophilic lenses and keratitis. The drug is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Vitasik drops are well tolerated, but in individual cases an allergic reaction may occur.

"Solcoseryl"

An eye ointment that improves blood circulation in the optical system and also accelerates the regeneration process when microtrauma of the cornea occurs. The medication is well tolerated, but sometimes a slight burning sensation may occur. Indications for use:

ulcer of the mucous membrane of the eye;
erosion;
burn of the organs of vision;
injury;
keratitis.

"Levofloxacin"

Levofloxacin can be used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.

A medicine with a broad-spectrum antibiotic. The drug is used for conjunctivitis caused by bacterial infection, as well as for preventive purposes after surgical interventions. After using the medicine, side effects are sometimes observed in the form of chemosis (swelling of the conjunctiva), blepharitis, decreased visual acuity, burning, swelling and dryness of the visual organs. Contraindications for use:

renal failure;
pregnancy;
lactation;
epilepsy.

"Lidocaine"

Eye drops for pain relief and inflammation relief in case of injury to the visual organs. The drug is contraindicated for use in cases of hypersensitivity to the components of the drops, myasthenia gravis, liver pathologies and heart failure. Side effects after instillation:

redness around the eyes;
burning;
rash on eyelids.

"Miramistin"

An antiseptic medication that is used for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections and eye conjunctivitis of various etiologies. The drug has no contraindications, except for individual hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. In rare cases, after using Miramistin, a burning sensation of the visual organs occurs, which quickly passes.

Symptoms

If the organ of vision is damaged, a person begins to complain of the following symptoms:

severe pain in the eye;
increased lacrimation;
photophobia;
blepharospasm or severe closure of the eyelid;
reflex narrowing of the palpebral fissure;
redness of the mucous membrane;
headache;
sensation of a foreign object in the eye.

All of these symptoms may indicate dangerous damage to the cornea of the eye, so if they appear, you should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. If a child scratches the cornea of the eye, parents do not need to self-medicate. You should seek medical help sooner

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnosis of pathology involves studying the patient’s medical history, assessing the clinical picture and examining the eye. In addition, the ophthalmologist checks the organ of vision for the presence of foreign objects. Often, eye drops can be used to eliminate discomfort and determine the risk of damage. The doctor instills a local anesthetic into the patient's eye, and after some time examines it with an ophthalmoscope.

In order to conduct a detailed examination of the eye and identify subtle scratches, an additional light source can be used. To identify a barely noticeable scratch, a 1% fluorescein solution can be used, which turns any damage green.

Read in a separate article: Dislocation of the lens of the eye in humans: causes, symptoms and treatment

Diagnostic procedures

Usually, using a slit lamp, the doctor is able to identify the cause of the patient’s discomfort.

If a child or adult scratches the cornea area, you should urgently consult an ophthalmologist. To better examine the damaged area, an anesthetic substance is injected into the conjunctival sac twice or three times with a short break. After 10 minutes, a diagnostic examination is performed using lateral illumination and a slit lamp. If in this way it was not possible to discern a scratch on the cornea, then a fluorescent substance is used, which is illuminated. The drug is also injected into the conjunctival sac. Thanks to this diagnostic technique, the damaged areas are tinted green and it is easier for the doctor to assess their area.

Treatment

The choice of one or another method of treating an eye scratch depends on the degree of damage. If minor damage to the cornea is detected, antibacterial drops may be prescribed, which must be instilled several times a day. If the cornea of the eye is scratched, treatment can be carried out using the following drugs:

Albucid;
Miramistin;
Tobrex;
Phloxal.

Before going to bed, the use of antibacterial gels and ointments such as Solcoseryl-gel and Korneregel, which must be applied behind the eyelids, may be prescribed.

If deeper scratches are detected in the patient, in which the corneal flap has been scalped, treatment may be as follows:

the use of special drops with an anesthetic effect;
treatment of the corneal surface with antibacterial drugs;
placing the flap in place;
putting drops into the eyes;
applying a sterile dressing.

After such manipulations, the patient must daily instill drops prescribed by the doctor into the sore eye and apply the gel at night. In addition, you must wear the bandage until your doctor allows you to remove it. How long it takes for a scratch on the cornea to heal depends on the degree of complexity.

First aid for eye injury

What is prohibited to do:

Rub an eye that has any type of damage.
Touch the damaged area with dirty hands.
Apply pressure to the eyelids.
Remove an object that has fallen into the sclera or deeper.
Rinse the eye in case of a penetration wound.
Use baking soda to wash acid damage (and vice versa).
Use drops for pain relief, despite the severity of the pain.
Apply cotton-based dressings (only bandage and gauze).
Avoid self-medication for redness, swelling and optical disturbances.

What you can (should) do:

1. If a foreign body enters:

pull down the lower eyelid;
remove a third-party item;
rinse with filtered water;
use anti-inflammatory drops.

3. For a thermal burn:

eliminate the source;
If you get in contact with hot oil or fat, you should rinse your eyes;
cover the damaged area with a napkin;
make a cold compress or apply a cool cloth.
take analgin (or its analogue) in case of unbearable pain.

remove the substance (if not liquid) from the eye using a dry cloth;
rinse thoroughly with purified water (sufficient time);
Apply a cloth soaked in cold water.

use drops for inflammation;
apply cold.

ensure peace and remain still;
Apply a clean cloth without applying pressure to the damaged area.

8. If an object is stuck in the eye, ensure that it remains motionless and the head is fixed.

When providing emergency care, the following antibacterial drops are relevant:

"Sodium sulfacyl";
"Levomycetin";
"Albucid".

Note! After providing first aid, you should go to an ophthalmologist

Complications and consequences

Eye scratches and other types of damage can lead to some unpleasant consequences:

hemorrhage inside the organ;
development of corneal edema;
accumulation of purulent exudate;
severe pain;
inflammatory process and further spread of infection throughout the eye;
risk of cataracts;
separation of the layers of the retina.

If the cornea of the eye is scratched, the eyeball and nearby tissues may be destroyed, and the person may begin to see poorly.

Important!

In the absence of effective treatment and infection of the cornea, severe complications such as brain abscesses and sepsis may develop.

Prevention

In order to avoid various damages and injuries to the eye, it is necessary to follow safety precautions, especially when using cutting and piercing objects. When working with power tools, you must wear safety glasses or use a special mask.

It is necessary to exclude direct exposure to sunlight and dazzling light on the eyes, and when playing sports with bouncing objects, it is imperative to wear a face mask. When driving a car, be sure to wear a seat belt and wear a visor when operating a lawn mower.

To prevent eye damage in childhood, cleaning, detergents and chemicals should be stored in inaccessible places. It is necessary to buy toys for children without sharp corners and small parts, and also teach them how to use pencils, scissors and other sharp objects.

In order to prevent damage to the organs of vision, children should not be allowed to be near operating devices and electrical appliances. You can only watch the sun with glasses and it is strictly forbidden to be in a place where fireworks are being set off.

Author of the article: Tatyana Vladimirovna Glushakova, specialist for the website glazalik.ru Share your experience and opinion in the comments.