corneal foreign body
| Headline | |
|---|---|
| History | - What type of foreign body? — e.g. dirt or organic material (higher risk of infection), glass, metal (rust ring may lead to inflammation and a corneal epithelial defect), inorganic material - Velocity of impact? — e.g. angle grinders, high speed drilling and ‘weed eater’ injuries are at risk of corneal or scleral penetration. - Symptoms? — foreign body sensation, tearing, blurred vision. - Use of eye protection? |
| Examination | Visual acuity as always Look for rust ring Tonometry? > Distortion of the cornea, anterior chamber, iris, pupil or lens indicates ocular penetration |
| Diagnostic investigations | Fluorescein examination - penetrating trauma, HZO |
| Differentials | |
| Immediate management | - Irrigate - Topical LA → Remove FB if able - sterile cotton bud, beveled edge of a needle - Tetanus prophylaxis only if penetrating trauma |
| Ongoing management | Avoid wearing contact lens for >= 1/52 after defect fully healed or feels normal - No contact lens: cipro/ofloxacin topical - Yes contact lens: cover pseudomonas - levo/moxifloxacin, gent topical - Analgesia |
Abrasion vs ulcer
| Abrasion | Ulcer | |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Immediate pain | Pain 2-3 days after event |
| Visible on fluorescein exam? | Yes | Yes |
| Visible on white light? | No | Yes |
| Lesion looks... | Linear, punctate, patterned or irregular | Often circular |