Corneal burn refers to an injury affecting the cornea, the transparent, outermost layer at the front of the eye. This clear, dome-shaped structure covers the pupil and iris, playing a significant role in vision by focusing light onto the retina. When the cornea sustains a burn, it can lead to various degrees of damage, potentially impacting eyesight and causing discomfort.
Understanding Corneal Burns: Types and Causes
Corneal burns stem from distinct sources. Chemical burns occur when corrosive substances, such as acids or alkalis, come into contact with the eye. Alkali burns, often from common household items like oven cleaners, drain cleaners, or fertilizers, are generally more severe than acid burns because they can penetrate deeper into eye tissues, causing liquefaction necrosis.
Thermal burns result from exposure to intense heat, such as hot liquids, steam, or flames. While the blink reflex often protects the eye by closing the eyelids, direct exposure can still burn the cornea. These burns are frequently associated with industrial accidents or domestic incidents involving cooking or heating elements.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation burns, also known as photokeratitis or “flash burns,” occur from overexposure to UV light. Common sources include welding arcs, sun lamps, tanning beds, or even prolonged exposure to reflected sunlight, particularly from snow or water. These injuries are similar to sunburn on the skin and can affect both eyes simultaneously.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Pain is a common symptom, ranging from mild irritation to severe discomfort. The eye often appears red, and vision may become blurred or cloudy.
Light sensitivity (photophobia) is a frequent symptom, making bright environments uncomfortable. People might experience excessive tearing, a gritty feeling as if something is in the eye, and involuntary eyelid spasms, medically termed blepharospasm. Swelling of the conjunctiva, known as chemosis, can also occur.
Immediate First Aid and When to Seek Medical Help
Immediate first aid for a corneal burn centers on rapid and thorough irrigation of the affected eye. For chemical burns, this means flushing the eye continuously with copious amounts of clean water or sterile saline for at least 15 to 30 minutes. It is important not to rub the eye, as this can worsen the injury.
After initial flushing, seeking immediate medical attention is necessary for any suspected corneal burn. Contacting emergency services or an ophthalmologist without delay is important. Prompt treatment can ease pain, prevent infections, and help avoid further complications, including potential vision loss. Even if symptoms seem mild, professional evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and management.
Professional Medical Treatments
Upon receiving professional medical care for a corneal burn, the initial step often involves continued irrigation, especially for chemical exposures, to ensure all harmful substances are removed. An eye examination will be conducted to assess the extent of the damage, and any foreign bodies present on the eye’s surface will be carefully removed.
Healthcare providers may prescribe various eye drops to aid healing and prevent complications. This includes antibiotic eye drops or ointment to prevent infection, pain-relieving drops to manage discomfort, and anti-inflammatory drops to reduce swelling. In some cases, cycloplegic eye drops, such as cyclopentolate, may be used to prevent painful muscle spasms within the eye. An eye patch might be applied to protect the eye and promote healing. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and adjust treatment as needed.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing corneal burns involves adopting practical safety measures in various environments. Wearing appropriate protective eyewear, such as safety glasses or goggles, is an effective strategy. This is especially important when handling chemicals, working with tools that produce sparks or debris, or engaging in activities like welding that generate strong UV light.
When outdoors, particularly in bright conditions or at high altitudes, wearing sunglasses that block UV radiation can help prevent photokeratitis. Exercising caution when handling hot liquids or steam, and storing chemicals safely, also reduces the risk of accidental exposure and subsequent corneal injury.