Corneal Trauma, Infection, and Opacities

Abstract

The cornea and conjunctiva comprise the surface structures of the eye. They are in direct contact with the outside world and, as such, are susceptible to a particular set of injuries from exposure or trauma. Indeed, approximately 2.4 million eye injuries occur in the United States each year resulting in approximately 630,000 emergency room visits. Nearly half of the injuries occur at home, and the majority occur in patients age 44 years and younger. Corneal abrasion, a foreign body in the eye, and blunt trauma are common types of eye injury.