A series of 3 cases of corneal abrasion with multiple etiologies.
BACKGROUND
Most corneal abrasions are caused by mechanical injuries affecting the superficial epithelial layer. Although one of the functions of the eyelid is to protect the eye, its reaction time of about 425 msec is slower than many ocular insults; thus, corneal abrasions are among the most commonly occurring eye emergencies.


METHODS
Three cases of corneal abrasions with different etiologies are presented. The first case was a large abrasion of the cornea near the visual axis caused by a wood chip. A metal foreign body with rust was lodged in the cornea from metal grinding in the second case. The third case was iatrongenically induced by an A-scan probe while a fellow student was measuring the axial length of the eye.


CONCLUSIONS
Corneal abrasions are one of the most common ocular conditions presented to eye clinics or emergency departments. Although there are different etiologies of abraded corneal epithelium, current clinical management for most corneal abrasions involves a bandage contact lens, use of topical antibiotics, and cycloplegics. Large and central corneal abrasions, however, warrant a consultation with a corneal specialist.
Pacific University College of Optometry, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116, USA. lenvhua@pacificu.edu
Len
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Hua
Tracy
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Doll
D000328:Adult; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D005129:Eye Foreign Bodies / Q000150:complications*; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D008297:Male; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013232:Steel; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014934:Wood; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult
D013232:Steel