Cornea
Corneal Abrasion
Also known as: corneal abrasion, scratched cornea, corneal scratch, corneal epithelial defect, corneal injury, eye scratch, fingernail eye injury, corneal trauma
Clinical decision support only
OptoGuide™ supports professional judgement and does not diagnose or replace clinician responsibility.
Overview
Disruption of the corneal epithelium by trauma — the most common acute eye injury presenting to primary care. Causes immediate, severe eye pain, photophobia, and tearing. Diagnosis is confirmed by fluorescein staining. Most abrasions heal within 24–72 hours with topical antibiotic and lubricants. The key concern is to exclude a corneal foreign body or penetrating injury.
What OptoGuide™ covers for corneal abrasion
- Recognition patterns — symptoms, signs, and differentiators
- Don't-miss risks and escalation triggers
- Management tiers with linked Australian therapeutics
- Referral urgency, specialty, and letter drafting
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