Did you get a piece of dirt in your eye? Did you scratch your eye? Let's learn everything about corneal abrasion!

Oh my! A piece of dirt got into the eye... or a little baby's nail got into the eye... These things have happened to us at least once in our lives. When that happens, the eye becomes red, tears flow, and it hurts so much that we can't even open it, it's scary. Most of the time, what happens in such a situation is that the transparent membrane in front of our eye, the cornea, gets scratched a little. This is what we medically call a 'corneal abrasion'. Don't worry, we'll talk about this clearly and simply today.

Simply put, what is a corneal abrasion?

Think of your eye as a camera. The cornea is the glass-like part of the camera that covers the lens. This is a completely transparent, smooth membrane in front of the pupil and the colored part of our eye (iris). It's like the glass on the face of a watch. This is where light first enters. That's why it's so important.

This surface layer of the cornea, we call it the `(epithelium),` if it gets scratched for some reason, we call it a corneal abrasion . Even if it's a small scratch, our eyes are very sensitive, so it can be very painful. But the best thing is, most of these scratches heal quickly. However, if they are not treated properly, they can become infected and become serious.

What symptoms do we experience when our eyes are red?

The symptoms of a corneal abrasion can vary slightly from person to person. However, there are some common symptoms. Let's take a look at what they are.

How can the eye get scratched like this? What are the main causes?

There can be many reasons for eye irritation. Some things can happen in ways we never even think about.

• Something foreign entering the eye: This is the most common cause.
• Dust, sand, and soil: These can get into your eyes when you're out on the road or on a windy day.
• Wood dust, iron dust: If you work in a place like a woodworking shop or garage, there is a high chance that these particles will get into your eyes if you work without safety glasses.
• Tree leaves: When working in the garden or cutting branches, even a small piece of leaf or stick can get into your eye and scratch it.
• Because of our own activities:
• Nails: You can bite your own nails when you scratch your eyes. It's very common for parents to get their nails in their eyes, especially when holding small children and they squirm.
• Makeup brushes: A brush used by women to apply makeup can get inside the eye.
• Use of contact lenses:
• Wearing lenses when your eyes are dry.
• Using lenses that don't fit the eye properly.
• Squeezing your eyes too hard when removing or putting on lenses.

This is just a scratch, is there anything to be afraid of? Can complications occur?

Most of the time, about 99% of the time, minor corneal abrasions heal on their own within a day or two. This is because the surface cells of the cornea regenerate very quickly.

However, in some cases, especially if the scratch is deep, or if something dirty (such as dirt or rust) gets into the eye, or if treatment is delayed, some complications can occur.

• Keratitis: This is an infection of the cornea. It can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. This is a serious condition that can damage your vision.
• Corneal ulcers: An untreated infection can cause an open sore on the cornea. Although these heal, they can sometimes leave scars, which can permanently impair vision.
• Iritis: This is an inflammation of the colored part of the eye (iris). It can cause severe pain and sensitivity to light.
• Recurrent erosion syndrome: Sometimes, even though the wound seems to have healed, the surface layer of the cornea becomes weak and starts to scratch again and again for no apparent reason (especially when opening the eyes in the morning). This is a very painful condition.

This is why it's important to see a doctor if you get a scratch on your eye , rather than dismissing it as something minor.

How does a doctor find this?

When you go to see a doctor with eye pain, he will first ask you a few questions. "How did this happen?", "What are the discomforts?", "What kind of job do you do?", etc., to get an idea of ​​the situation.

Then, the eye is examined. Special equipment is used for this.

• Slit lamp exam: This is a very powerful microscope-like instrument that magnifies your eye and allows you to see even the smallest scratches on your cornea. It can also check for anything stuck inside your eyelid.
• Fluorescein dye test:This is a very interesting test. The doctor will put yellow drops in your eye. Don't worry, it won't hurt. After the drops are put in, if there is a scratch anywhere on the cornea, this dye will be absorbed only by that area of ​​the wound. Then, when you shine a blue light on it, only the area where the scratch is will glow green. Then you can see exactly how big and how deep the scratch is.

How is it treated? And what can we do at home?

Treatment begins with cleaning the eye.

Things you can do first

• Eye wash: Rinse the eye thoroughly with clean water or saline solution, which can be purchased at a pharmacy.
• Blinking: Blink your eyes a few times. This will help flush out any small debris with your tears.
• Pulling the upper eyelid down: Grasp the upper eyelid and pull it down over the lower eyelid. This can increase the flow of tears from the eye and help remove debris.

If the eye pain and discomfort do not subside after doing these things, definitely see a doctor.

Medical treatment

• Removing the object: If there is something stuck inside the eye, the doctor will put numbing drops in the eye and carefully remove it with a special instrument or cotton swab to relieve the pain.
• Antibiotics: To prevent infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments. For example, you may be given medications like Erythromycin or Ciprofloxacin. You should use these exactly for the duration your doctor tells you.
• Painkillers: A minor scrape may not require painkillers. However, if the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe a painkiller or eye drops to help relieve the pain.
• Bandage contact lens: Sometimes, especially if the scratch is large, the doctor will put a special contact lens on your eye that looks like a bandage. This will reduce the pain when you rub your eye and help the wound heal faster. If you put on a contact lens like this, you will need to come back in a day or two for a check-up.

How can you protect yourself from eye strain?

"Prevention is better than cure," they say. That saying is 100% true for eyes. If you follow a few simple precautions, you can avoid such accidents to a great extent.

When should you definitely see a doctor? When should you go to the Emergency Department (ETU)?

If you experience any discomfort in your eyes, do not ignore it. In the following cases, you should definitely seek medical advice.

See a doctor immediately:

• Even if you wash your eyes, the feeling of something stuck in your eyes doesn't go away.
• If your vision is blurred.
• If the pain is getting worse.
• If you don't feel any improvement after 24 hours of taking the medicine prescribed by a doctor.

Go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately:

There are some situations when, instead of looking for a regular doctor, you need to go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) as soon as possible.

• If something is stuck in your eye: For example, if you believe that something sharp, such as a piece of wire or a piece of glass, is stuck in your eye, do not try to remove the object yourself.
• If there is severe, unbearable pain.
• If your vision suddenly disappears or becomes very dim.
• If blood or other fluid is leaking from the eye.
• If a chemical gets in your eye: For example, acid, bleach, etc. If this happens, rinse your eye with clean water for as long as possible (at least 15-20 minutes) before going to the ETU.

Our eyes are our most precious asset. Therefore, it is our responsibility to take care of them. Never hesitate to seek medical advice when necessary, regardless of the small things you may be experiencing.