Eye experts for corneal trauma address a wide number of issues related to eye injury. Causation of injury is often revealed by the nature of damage to the cornea. For example, sharp objects traveling at high velocity can penetrate the eye and cause internal injury to the eye. On the other hand, chemical injuries are more likely to cause a diffuse surface injury. Particles embedded in the cornea or shards of foreign bodies that have penetrated the cornea may be analyzed to determine the source of injury.
The structural integrity of the cornea is ascertained by examination with a slit lamp microscope. This device is a high powered microscope that projects a beam of light formed in the shape of a slit. A slit of light projected at an angle provides the examiner a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the cornea and structures behind the cornea.
Foreign bodies that penetrate the cornea may penetrate only partially into the cornea. Under these circumstances the foreign body often becomes embedded in the cornea. The foreign body may be removed by an ophthalmologist before infection or scarring develop. Foreign bodies that penetrate the cornea are usually more complex problems. Small foreign bodies that penetrate the cornea may become lodged in the angle of the eye or travel beyond the front portion of the eye to effect the iris or lens.
Foreign bodies that penetrate the cornea can cause a leak of fluid from inside the eye. When in doubt, a leak from penetrating corneal trauma can by detected by placing fluorescein dye on the surface of the eye. Leaking of fluid from the inside of an eye through a full-thickness corneal laceration is made much more evident in the presence of the fluorescein dye.
The location of corneal trauma can be an important factor. Injury to the peripheral cornea can heal without impacting vision. However, injuries that damage the center of the cornea effect vision since the light rays critical for our best vision travel through the center of the cornea. Traumatic injury to the cornea can result in blurred vision, distortion of vision, and glare. These symptoms are more likely when the central cornea is involved in eye injury.
Corneal trauma from foreign bodies often require treatment with medications to prevent infection and scar tissue. It is important to select the proper medications. In addition, surgery may be required to seal a laceration, remove damages tissue, or remove a foreign body. Removing a foreign body can be particularly important if the foreign body is metallic. If left in the eye, metallic foreign bodies may decompose over time and cause chemical damage to structures inside the eye such as the lens and retina.
An eye expert witness for corneal trauma can be valuable for assessing causation of an eye injury, the extent of damage, and the impact of corneal trauma on vision. A qualified board certified ophthalmologist can provide the expertise needed to understand these important issues.
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