What is the treatment for corneal abrasion?

What is the treatment for corneal abrasion?

• A. Removal of foreign body, supportive care, topical antibiotics as needed
• B. Immediate corneal transplant
• C. Oral antibiotics only
• D. No treatment needed

Answer: (A)

Corneal abrasions are shallow injuries of the corneal epithelium, so management aims to promote healing and prevent infection. The best approach is to remove any foreign body if present and thoroughly irrigate the eye, then provide supportive care to comfort and heal the surface. Topical antibiotics are added to prevent bacterial keratitis because the protective barrier is breached. This combination directly addresses the mechanical injury and the infection risk without resorting to invasive procedures. Immediate corneal transplant would be far too aggressive for a simple abrasion and is reserved for much more extensive disease such as full-thickness loss or perforation. Oral antibiotics alone don’t provide adequate local coverage, and doing nothing would miss the chance to prevent infection and promote healing.

Corneal abrasions are shallow injuries of the corneal epithelium, so management aims to promote healing and prevent infection. The best approach is to remove any foreign body if present and thoroughly irrigate the eye, then provide supportive care to comfort and heal the surface. Topical antibiotics are added to prevent bacterial keratitis because the protective barrier is breached. This combination directly addresses the mechanical injury and the infection risk without resorting to invasive procedures. Immediate corneal transplant would be far too aggressive for a simple abrasion and is reserved for much more extensive disease such as full-thickness loss or perforation. Oral antibiotics alone don’t provide adequate local coverage, and doing nothing would miss the chance to prevent infection and promote healing.