Why Are My Eyes Red?
6. Corneal Abrasion
Corneal abrasion occurs when the surface or cornea of the eye is scratched. This can cause pain, sensitivity to light, sensation of a foreign body in the eye, and redness. The majority of these cases are due to minor trauma such as from fingernails and contact lens. The diagnosis of corneal abrasion can be achieved via application of fluorescein dye and a slit lamp examination.
It is important to rule out more serious issues such as a foreign body in the eye, globe rupture, and corneal ulcer. Treatment usually involves the application of an antibiotic ointment. A fluoroquinolone antibiotic is recommended for those who wear contact lenses. Eye drops (cyclopentolate) causing pupil paralysis, paracetamol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help with the symptoms. It is estimated that 3 in 1,000 individuals are affected in the United States annually.
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