Corneal Injury
The cornea is the clear window on the front of the eye that covers
the colored iris and pupil. The two most common types of corneal injuries are
abrasions and lacerations. An abrasion is a scraping of the surface of the
cornea. A corneal laceration involves a scratch or a puncture through the
layers of the cornea. Injury to the cornea can cause visual impairments.
What are the causes and risks of the injury?
The cornea can be damaged by a number of factors, including:
chemicals that are splashed into the eye
contact lenses that are left in place too long
eye disorders, including
glaucoma and
conjunctivitis
foreign bodies, such
as tree branches and mascara wands
foreign bodies that are stuck under an eyelid
medical conditions that prevent the person from closing his or her
eyelids
sand, sawdust, or other material that is blown into the eye
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