Corneal injury

Alternative names:

corneal abrasion; corneal burn

Definition:

An injury to the cornea, the curved transparent covering at the front of the eye. See also corneal ulcers and infections.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cornea is the curved transparent covering at the front of the eye that works with the lens of the eye to focus images on the retina. Injuries to the cornea are common and may be caused by a foreign body in the eye, such as sand or metal filings, wearing hard contact lenses for too long, or exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Risk factors include occupational hazards from working with or around substances that could end up in the eye, such as metal filings or sawdust, and prolonged exposure to the sun.