Corneal Abrasion Diagnosis and Assessment

Examination Technique and Findings

The size, shape, and location of the abrasion can be accurately assessed using Wood's lamp examination technique 1
The depth of the abrasion can be assessed by the intensity of the staining 1
Pooling of fluorescein in areas of corneal thinning must be differentiated from actual epithelial staining 1

Assess for any linear pattern of abrasion which might indicate a foreign body under the eyelid 1
Evaluate for any stromal infiltration which could indicate infection rather than simple abrasion 1
Check for anterior chamber reaction which may be present with more significant abrasions 1
Deep stromal involvement or infiltrates may indicate infection rather than simple abrasion 2
Hypopyon (pus in anterior chamber) suggests infectious keratitis requiring immediate treatment 1