Erosion of the cornea of the eye: symptoms, causes and treatment

Every person has been faced with such problems as getting foreign objects into his eyes at least once in his life. If it is a question of dust, sand or mote, most often the situation ends favorably. It is enough to rinse the eyes and the unpleasant sensation disappears. However, it also happens that when a foreign body hits the eye tissues damage, resulting in the development of erosion of the cornea of the eye. This disease can be accompanied by swelling and even exfoliation of the retina. What else can be provoked by corneal erosion? What treatment is better to apply in this situation?

A little anatomy

The cornea of the eye consists of 5 layers. Protective function is performed by the outer layer (epithelium). It is followed by a thin membrane. Most of the cornea consists of a stroma, thanks to the keratocytes present in it, the transparency of the outer layer is provided. Between the outer and the final layer (endothelium) is descemet shell or dense membrane. Endothelium is responsible for regulating the inflow and outflow of nutrients and fluids between the cornea and the anterior chamber of the eye.

What is this disease?

Erosion of the cornea is damage to the outer layer of the cornea, or, more simply, a scratch on its surface. The notions 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. When the ulcer is destroyed, deep layers are also exposed, and a scar remains on the affected area.

Classification of the disease

Erosion of the cornea is divided into several species.

• In size: fine - point microerosion, large - macro-erosion.
• The coverage of the cornea: limited and diffuse.
• By location: upper and lower.
• By the nature of the occurrence: traumatic erosion of the cornea and recurrent.
• In the course of the disease: a single and persistently relapsing.

Causes

The appearance of a scratch or cut on the stratum corneum, as already mentioned above, can be caused by the ingress of dust, dirt, wood shavings, sand or metal particles. You can damage the cornea during sports or apartment repairs. Scratches of the horny layer with a fingernail, piece of paper or organic material are not so harmless as it might seem at first glance. First, a long non-healing wound can form. If you do not provide first aid, there will be a deterioration leading to unpleasant complications.

Another common cause of corneal erosion is the ingress of chemicals into the eyes. Often people who do not follow the recommendations of an ophthalmologist about wearing contact lenses come into contact with the disease.

Symptoms

Whatever the cause of the appearance of corneal erosion, it is impossible to ignore the main symptomatology. In addition to painful sensations in the eye, the disease is accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Redness and swelling;
• Increased lacrimation;
• Decreased visual acuity;
• Opacity of the cornea of the eye.

If you find one of the above symptoms, you should seek the advice of a qualified doctor who is engaged in treatment and vision correction.

Diagnostics

Erosion of the cornea is recognized during an ophthalmologic examination using a slit lamp. To detect insignificant damaged areas, the stratum corneum is stained with a solution of fluorescein. In addition, the doctor examines the inner side of the eyelids in order to exclude the presence of any foreign body and draws attention to how eyelashes grow.

First aid

If there are any sensations in the eye that cause discomfort and soreness, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. If this is not possible, you can ease the situation yourself. To do this, wash your eyes and drip moisturizing drops.

First aid facilities for erosion of the cornea include:

• Fizrashvor. 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, softening action (Oftagel, Optiva or Oftolik). Disinfect and moisturize the surface of the eyes.

Erosion of the cornea: treatment

Medicines that help repair damaged epithelium should be prescribed or agreed with a specialist. After the examination, the ophthalmologist will select the drugs that are most effective specifically for your case.

From eye drops can be appointed:

• Systeine. The solution is buried in the conjunctival sac of the affected eye 1-2 drops three times a day. During manipulation, be careful not to touch the tip of the pipette, otherwise it may contaminate the solution. There are no special contraindications to the use. Drops can be used with contact lenses.
• The "oxial". The solution is instilled in 1-2 drops twice a day. Do not use together with other ophthalmic drops. The expiration date of the drug expires in 2 months after the opening of the vial.

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. In pregnancy, the drug is used with extreme caution. For the period of treatment, you will have to give up wearing contact lenses.
• Oftagel. The drug is applied conjunctivally one drop 2-4 times during the day, depending on the severity of the disease. In pregnancy, treatment with Ophtagel is allowed only after permission of the doctor. During carrying out of manipulation it is necessary to remove contact lenses, they can be put back not earlier, than in 30 minutes.

Of antibacterial ointments, ophthalmologists are most often prescribed "Floxal". This drug prevents bacterial infection in the erosion of the cornea or after traumatic damage to the eyeball. The ointment is applied to the lower eyelid two to three times a day. Duration of treatment - no more than two weeks.

For recurrent erosion of the cornea, artificial medium media will additionally be required. For a better regeneration of the epithelium, special therapeutic lenses can be prescribed. If improvements are not observed, an excimer laser vision correction operation will be required.

Erosion of the cornea of the eye: treatment with folk remedies

For prevention and to improve the health of the eyes, many decide to use "grandmother methods." So, for example, the decoction of the herb is used as a lotion. To make it, you need one tablespoon of vegetable raw materials and a glass of boiled water. The grass is poured with boiling water, cooled and filtered.

A decoction of chamomile, cooked in a water bath, is used as a bath for the eyes. One tablespoon of chopped flowers should be poured a glass of boiling water and filtered, then 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 folk 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.

Treatment of erosion should be conducted under the supervision of an experienced ophthalmologist. Self-medication can lead to keratitis, corneal opacity, uveitis, or blindness. And always remember: "You are responsible for your own health".