Corneal Abrasion and Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips

Q: Corneal Abrasion and Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery Tips

Hello： 1. <br>The slow recovery from an infection may have various causes, such as the type of pathogen being particularly virulent, the patient's immune system being weakened, the medication being insufficiently effective, or the patient having other health issues. <br>If the pa

Corneal abrasion infection

Hello, Doctor.
Last Thursday night, I visited an ophthalmologist because my eyes were itchy.
The doctor diagnosed it as an allergy (I usually do not wear contact lenses) and prescribed COLSAMIN EYE OINTMENT and Curzolan Eye Drops.
The next day, I felt that my vision was more strained, and by evening, the stinging sensation in my eyes became unbearable.
I returned to the ophthalmologist and was diagnosed with a corneal abrasion, so I switched to using VITA A EYE OINTMENT "OASIS," but my condition did not improve.
That night, I experienced severe eye swelling and pain, which prevented me from sleeping.
In the morning, I saw the ophthalmologist again, who said there was an infection.
In addition to applying the ointment twice daily, I was instructed to use BAXICIN SINGLE DOSE UNIT EYE DROPS every two hours.
After two days, I returned for a follow-up, and the doctor said my infection had only improved by 2 out of 10.
I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
Why is the recovery speed from the infection slower than expected? I have been applying the eye drops on time and keeping my eyes closed to rest when not necessary.
2.
The vision in the infected eye is white and blurry; is this normal? How many days will it take for the blurriness to clear up?
3.
(I just remembered) on Thursday afternoon, I was hit by a large bag of documents that fell from a cabinet at work.
At that moment, I was startled and couldn't tell if my eye was injured, but I did confirm that my glasses fell off and my cheekbone was very painful.
Could the transition from allergy to keratitis and then to infection be related to this incident? Why did the infection suddenly appear a day later?
4.
Besides applying the eye drops on time, what other methods can help alleviate discomfort?
5.
In 2021, I also had a corneal laceration in the same eye.
Will this second injury lead to any long-term complications?
6.
During the recovery period, is there anything specific I should pay attention to?
Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to respond amidst your busy schedule.
I appreciate your help.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/06

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: 1.
The slow recovery from an infection may have various causes, such as the type of pathogen being particularly virulent, the patient's immune system being weakened, the medication being insufficiently effective, or the patient having other health issues.
If the patient is taking medication as prescribed but does not see improvement, it is advisable to return for a follow-up examination.
2.
During inflammation or infection, the eyes may become blurry or foggy due to swelling of the ocular tissues or other factors, and a decrease in vision is also a common occurrence.
The time for vision recovery varies from person to person; if there is no improvement, a follow-up examination is recommended.
3.
After an eye injury, there is an increased risk of infection because the surface of the eye is damaged, allowing bacteria or other pathogens to easily enter and cause infection.
If the infection progresses rapidly after the injury, it may be due to a deeper wound or a higher bacterial load.
Prompt medical treatment is advised.
4.
In addition to taking the prescribed medication on time, it is important to maintain eye hygiene, such as avoiding touching the eyes with hands, not sharing eye drops or cosmetics, and avoiding the use of expired or unclean contact lenses.
Cold compresses can be applied: soak a clean towel in cold water, wring it out, and place it over the eyes for a few minutes to relieve pain and itching.
Using artificial tears can help reduce discomfort.
Resting the eyes by closing them frequently is also beneficial.
5.
If there has been a previous corneal laceration, the location and severity of the cut may affect subsequent treatment and recovery.
If there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist.
6.
During the recovery period, it is recommended to follow the physician's instructions regarding timely medication use, avoiding contact with the eyes, refraining from rubbing the eyes, and avoiding swimming, among other precautions.
If there are any discomforts or worsening symptoms, medical attention should be sought promptly.

Reply Date: 2023/03/06

More Info

Corneal abrasion and subsequent infection can be quite distressing, and your experience highlights several important aspects of eye health that are crucial for understanding recovery and management. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Slow Recovery from Infection: The recovery from an eye infection can be influenced by several factors. Even with diligent adherence to prescribed medications, the healing process can vary based on the severity of the infection, the type of bacteria involved, and individual patient factors such as immune response. If the infection is caused by a resistant strain of bacteria, it may not respond as quickly to treatment. Additionally, if there is any underlying condition affecting your immune system or if there are other irritants present (like allergens), these could also slow down recovery.

2. Blurry Vision: Experiencing a white, blurry vision in the affected eye is not uncommon during an infection. This can be due to several factors, including the presence of discharge, swelling, or inflammation in the cornea. The duration for vision to clear up can vary; it may take several days to weeks for your vision to return to normal, depending on the severity of the infection and how well it responds to treatment. Regular follow-ups with your eye doctor are essential to monitor progress.

3. Impact of Trauma: The incident where you were hit by a heavy object could indeed be related to the progression of your eye condition. Trauma can lead to inflammation and may compromise the cornea's integrity, making it more susceptible to abrasions and infections. Even if you did not notice immediate damage, the trauma could have initiated a cascade of events leading to your current condition. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about any trauma to the eye, as this can significantly influence treatment decisions.

4. Managing Discomfort: In addition to using prescribed eye drops, you can alleviate discomfort by ensuring that you rest your eyes as much as possible. Avoiding bright lights and screens can help reduce strain. Applying a cool compress over your closed eyelid may also provide relief. However, be cautious not to touch your eye or the surrounding area to prevent further irritation or infection.

5. Risk of Long-term Effects: Having a history of corneal injury can increase the risk of complications, such as scarring or recurrent abrasions. However, many people recover fully without long-term issues, especially with appropriate treatment. It’s crucial to follow your eye doctor’s advice and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor your healing process.

6. Precautions During Recovery: During your recovery, it’s vital to avoid rubbing your eyes and to keep them protected from irritants like dust, smoke, and bright lights. If you wear glasses, ensure they are clean and avoid contact lenses until your doctor advises otherwise. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene, such as washing your hands before touching your face or applying medications, can help prevent further infections.

In summary, corneal abrasions and infections require careful management and monitoring. The healing process can be slow, and various factors can influence recovery. It’s essential to maintain open communication with your eye care provider, adhere to prescribed treatments, and take precautions to protect your eyes during this time. If you have any concerns about your symptoms or recovery, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.

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