Learn how to treat your child for a corneal abrasion.
Children are more susceptible to injury than adults because they are more prone to risky behavior. One area of the body that is wide open to injury are the eyes. A common eye injury is a corneal abrasion, which is when the most superficial part of the cornea is scratched or cut. If your child experiences a corneal abrasion, it will likely be a painful experience because the cornea has a high number of sensory nerves that send pain sensations to the brain.
Treatment Options
Fortunately, most corneal abrasions are usually minor and can heal on their own without any treatment. However, it is still imperative that you see an eye doctor to make sure it is not too large or deep. Treatment usually consists of applying antibiotic drops or an ointment to prevent infection. Depending on the severity of the abrasion, a patch can be placed over the eye to decrease the pain and to speed up the healing process. Make sure not to wear a patch for more than 24 hours straight and remove it to apply drops or an ointment. The length of the healing process depends on the size and severity of the abrasion, but an abrasion on a healthy cornea usually heals between one to five days. Overall, pain affects the treatment plan for a corneal abrasion and depends on the individual. Everyone manages pain differently, so a treatment plan needs to be individualized.
Get In Touch With Pediatric Eye Care Today
Pediatric Eye Care of Maryland takes your child’s eye health very seriously. With a full staff of highly skilled Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and Orthoptists we’ve got ocular health covered. If you feel any concern about your child’s vision, have questions concerning eye health, or need information on the services we offer contact us today. With 4 convenient locations in Maryland, we are your number one choice for eye treatment.
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