You cannot copy content of this website, your IP is being recorded
Corneal Abrasion Treatment Doctor in Portland and Tigard OR

Corneal Abrasion Treatment Doctor in Portland and Tigard OR

A corneal abrasion occurs when the surface of the eye (cornea) is scratched or injured, leading to discomfort, redness, and sensitivity to light. This can result from trauma, foreign objects, or even improper contact lens use. Common symptoms include eye pain, tearing, and blurred vision. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent infection or further complications. Columbia Clinic Urgent Care provides expert care for corneal abrasions, offering accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options. For more details or to schedule an appointment, contact us today. We have convenient locations to serve you at Tibbetts St Portland, Stark Street Portland, and Tigard, OR.

Corneal Abrasion Treatment Doctor in Portland and Tigard OR
Corneal Abrasion Treatment Doctor in Portland and Tigard OR

Table of Contents:

What are the common symptoms of a corneal abrasion?
How is a corneal abrasion diagnosed by a doctor?
How long does it take for a corneal abrasion to heal?
What is the difference between a corneal abrasion and a corneal ulcer?

What are the common symptoms of a corneal abrasion?


The most common symptom of a corneal abrasion is sharp, stabbing pain in the affected eye. This pain is often accompanied by a gritty or burning sensation, and many individuals report feeling as if a foreign object is lodged in their eye, leading to significant discomfort.

Symptoms of a corneal abrasion include:

● Sharp, stabbing pain in the affected eye
● Gritty or burning sensation, often feeling like a foreign object is in the eye
● Redness and tearing as the eye becomes inflamed and produces excessive tears
● Blurred vision due to disruption of the cornea’s smooth surface, scattering light
● Sensitivity to light (photophobia), making brightly lit environments uncomfortable
● Halos or starbursts around lights, adding to visual disturbances
● Swelling in the cornea and eyelid, contributing to additional pain and discomfort

These symptoms can significantly impact your ability to perform daily activities, such as reading or driving, making prompt treatment important.

If you experience any symptoms of a corneal abrasion, we encourage you to visit us for immediate medical attention.

How is a corneal abrasion diagnosed by a doctor?


At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we understand the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis for conditions like corneal abrasion. Our experienced medical team is equipped to provide comprehensive care for eye injuries, ensuring you receive the attention you need without delay.

● Patient History and Symptoms: The diagnostic process begins with gathering a detailed patient history to identify any recent eye trauma or activities that could contribute to your symptoms. If you’re experiencing eye pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, or a sensation of something in your eye, healthcare providers will carefully consider these symptoms. They may also inquire about contact lens use and any pre-existing eye conditions to fully understand the situation.
● External Examination: A thorough external examination is performed using advanced tools, such as a penlight or slit lamp. This helps detect visible abnormalities on the surface of the eye. By using a slit lamp, a magnified view is obtained to identify any scratches, irregularities, or foreign bodies that may be present.
● Vital Dye Staining: To enhance the diagnostic process, a fluorescein dye or another vital dye is applied to the eye. This dye helps to highlight any scratches or abrasions on the eye’s surface, glowing under a blue light, which provides a clear view of the extent and severity of the condition.
● Slit-Lamp Examination: During the slit-lamp examination, a healthcare provider examines the eye under high magnification to evaluate the cornea. This detailed visualization allows for a thorough assessment of the abrasions, their depth, and any inflammation or infection that may be present, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.

At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, our goal is to provide a comprehensive evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Once we determine the severity of the corneal abrasion, we will recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your needs.

How long does it take for a corneal abrasion to heal?


At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we prioritize your eye health and are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for eye injuries, such as corneal abrasions. Corneal abrasions are scratches on the surface of the cornea, the clear front layer of the eye. These injuries can vary in severity, impacting the healing timeline significantly.

Our experienced team will assess the severity and size of the scratch to determine the appropriate healing timeline:

● Minor Abrasions: Typically heal quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours. These are superficial and do not penetrate deeply into the corneal layers, allowing for rapid recovery due to the cornea’s efficient regeneration of epithelial cells.
● Moderate Abrasions: May take 3-5 days to heal.
● Severe Abrasions: These can take 7-10 days or longer, especially if deeper corneal layers are affected.

Several factors can affect the healing process, including:

● The depth and size of the abrasion
● Presence of infection
● The individual’s age and overall health

Our team will help you manage common symptoms experienced during the healing process, which include:

● Pain
● Sensitivity to light
● Blurred vision
● Tearing
● Redness
● Foreign body sensation

By understanding the nature of corneal abrasions and adhering to recommended treatments and precautions, individuals can promote effective healing and prevent further complications.

What is the difference between a corneal abrasion and a corneal ulcer?


At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we prioritize the health and safety of your eyes. The cornea, which serves as the clear, dome-shaped outer layer of the eye, is essential for protecting the inner structures from external threats. Damage to the cornea can manifest as two common conditions: corneal abrasion and corneal ulcer. Knowing the differences between these conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Corneal Abrasion: A corneal abrasion is a superficial scratch or injury to the surface of the cornea, often resulting from physical trauma such as being poked in the eye or coming into contact with a foreign object like sand or dust.

● Symptoms: Pain, a sensation of having something in the eye, redness, tearing, sensitivity to light, and a burning sensation.

Corneal Ulcer: A corneal ulcer is a more serious condition characterized by an open sore on the cornea, often resulting from an infection. This can be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic in nature. Corneal ulcers can develop from untreated corneal abrasions or improper contact lens hygiene.

● Symptoms: Intense pain, significant redness, blurred vision, eye discharge, a visible white spot on the cornea, and severe sensitivity to light.

To minimize the risk of corneal injuries:

● Wear protective eyewear during activities that may pose a risk of corneal injury (e.g., sports, construction).
● Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes.
● Seek immediate medical attention at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care for any eye injury or infection to prevent complications.

If you experience any symptoms related to these conditions, please visit us promptly for an evaluation and appropriate care. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Tibbetts St Portland, Milwaukie OR, Oak Grove OR, Stark Street Portland, Fairview OR, Happy Valley OR, Gladstone OR, Cedar Mill OR, Tigard OR, Lake Oswego OR, Tualatin OR, Oregon City OR.

Columbia Clinic Urgent Care & Walk-in Clinic in Oregon

Mall 205

  • 9415 SE Stark Street, 3rd Floor, Portland OR 97216
  • View Details

82nd Avenue

Tigard, OR

 

Directions to Nearest Locations