Every person at least once in his life has encountered such a problem as the ingress of foreign objects into his eyes. When it comes to dust, sand or mote, most often the situation ends favorably. Just rinse your eyes and the discomfort disappears. However, it also happens that when a foreign body enters, the eye tissues are damaged, as a result of which corneal erosion develops. This disease can be accompanied by swelling and even detachment of the retina. What else can cause erosion of the cornea? What treatment is better to apply in such a situation?
A bit of anatomy
The cornea of the eye consists of 5 layers. The protective function is performed by the outer layer (epithelium). It is followed by a thin membrane. Most of the cornea consists of stroma, due to the keratocytes present in it, the transparency of the outer layer is ensured. Between the outer and final layer (endothelium) there is a descemetic membrane or a dense membrane. The endothelium is responsible for regulating the influx and outflow of nutrients and fluids between the cornea and the anterior chamber of the eye.
What is this disease?
Corneal erosion is damage to the outer layer of the cornea or, more simply, a scratch on its surface. The concepts of erosion and ulcer should not be confused. In the first case, only the integrity of the epithelium is damaged and with timely and proper treatment, discomfort passes quickly and without a trace. With an ulcer, the deep layers are also destroyed, and a scar remains on the affected area.
Disease classification
Corneal erosion is divided into several types.
- By size: small - point microerosion, large - macroerosion.
- Corneal coverage: limited and diffuse.
- At the location: upper and lower.
- By the nature of the occurrence: traumatic erosion of the cornea and recurrent.
- With the course of the disease: single and persistently recurring.
Causes
The appearance of a scratch or cut on the stratum corneum, as mentioned above, can be caused by the ingress of dust, dirt, wood chips, sand or a particle of metal. You can damage the cornea during sports or apartment renovation. Scratches of the stratum corneum with a fingernail, a piece of paper or organic material are not so harmless as it might seem at first glance. At first, a long, non-healing wound may form. If you do not provide first aid, there will be deterioration, entailing unpleasant complications.
Another common cause of corneal erosion is chemicals in the eyes. Often, people who do not adhere to the recommendations of an ophthalmologist about wearing contact lenses face the disease.
Symptoms
Whatever the reason for the appearance of corneal erosion, it is impossible to ignore the main symptoms. In addition to pain in the eye, the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as:
- redness and swelling;
- increased lacrimation;
- decreased visual acuity;
- clouding of the cornea of the eye.
If one of the above symptoms is found, it is necessary to seek the advice of a qualified doctor who is involved in the treatment and correction of vision.
Diagnostics
Corneal erosion is recognized during an ophthalmic examination using a slit lamp. To detect minor damaged areas, the stratum corneum is stained with a fluorescein solution. In addition, the doctor examines the inside of the eyelids in order to exclude the presence of any foreign body and draws attention to how the eyelashes grow.
First aid
If there are any sensations in the eye that cause discomfort and soreness, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. If this possibility is absent, you can alleviate the condition yourself. To do this, rinse your eyes and drip moisturizing drops.
The first aid for corneal erosion include:
- Saline solution. Used for washing eyes. When carrying out manipulations, do not forget about the general rules of hygiene.
- Cold compresses. Relieve pain and relieve irritation of the outer layer of the cornea.
- Ophthalmic preparations with keratoprotective, lubricating, emollient effect (Oftagel Optiva or Oftolik). Disinfect and moisturize the surface of the eyes.
Corneal Erosion: Treatment
Medicines that help restore damaged epithelium should be prescribed or agreed with a specialist. After examination, the ophthalmologist will select the drugs that are most effective specifically for your case.
From eye drops can be prescribed:
- Systein. The solution is instilled in the conjunctival sac of the affected eye 1-2 drops three times a day. During the manipulation, be careful not to touch the tip of the pipette, otherwise this may lead to contamination of the solution. There are no special contraindications for use. Drops can be used with contact lenses.
- Oksial. The solution is instilled in 1-2 drops twice a day. Simultaneous use with other ophthalmic drops is not allowed. The shelf life of the drug expires 2 months after opening the bottle.
Of ointments and gels can be used:
- Vidisik. One drop of gel is injected into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye 2-3 times during the day. During pregnancy, the drug is used with extreme caution. For the treatment period, you will have to refuse to wear contact lenses.
- Oftagel. The drug is used conjunctively one drop 2-4 times during the day, depending on the severity of the disease. During pregnancy, treatment with Oftagel is allowed only after the doctor’s permission. During the manipulation, it is necessary to remove contact lenses, you can put them back on no earlier than after 30 minutes.
Of the antibacterial ointments, ophthalmologists most often prescribe "Phloxal." This drug prevents bacterial infection during corneal erosion or after traumatic injuries of the eyeball . Ointment is applied to the lower eyelid from two to three times during the day. The duration of treatment is no more than two weeks.
Recurrent corneal erosion will additionally require artificial media. For better regeneration of the epithelium, special healing lenses can be prescribed. If no improvement is observed, an excimer laser vision correction operation will be required.
Corneal erosion: treatment with folk remedies
For prevention and in order to strengthen eye health, many decide to use the "grandmother's methods." So, for example, a decoction of herb euphrasia is used as lotions. To prepare it, you need one tablespoon of plant material and a glass of boiled water. The grass is poured with boiling water, cooled and filtered.
A decoction of chamomile, prepared in a water bath, is used as a bath for the eyes. One tablespoon of chopped flowers needs to be poured with a glass of boiling water and filtered, after which it can be used.
Black tea is used as a lotion. For the procedure, you can use the remaining tea bag. It must be wrung out and applied for 15-20 minutes to the closed eyelids.
Another of the popular methods of treating the disease is the lubrication of the outer eyelids with sea buckthorn, linseed or hemp oil. The procedure is carried out twice a day.
Erosion treatment should be carried out under the supervision of an experienced ophthalmologist. Self-medication can lead to keratitis, clouding of the cornea, uveitis, or blindness. And always remember: "You yourself are responsible for your health."