How is a corneal abrasion primarily detected?

A corneal abrasion is primarily detected through fluorescein staining, which is a simple and highly effective diagnostic technique. When fluorescein dye is applied to the surface of the eye, it highlights areas of damage on the cornea, allowing for a visual assessment of abrasions. The dye binds to epithelial defects, showing bright areas under ultraviolet light.

This method is particularly advantageous because it is quick, easy to perform, and provides immediate visual evidence of any corneal injuries. When combined with a light source, such as a cobalt blue filter, the fluorescence reveals the extent and depth of the abrasion, guiding treatment decisions.

While visual acuity tests can provide information on vision clarity and indicate that a corneal injury may be present, they do not directly visualize the type of injury. Fundoscopy is primarily used to examine the interior structures of the eye, like the retina and optic nerve, and is not effective for assessing surface injuries such as abrasions. A slit lamp examination is a useful tool for examining the cornea in detail, but it may be used after initial fluorescein staining to assess the extent of the injury more thoroughly. However, the initial and most direct detection of a corneal abrasion is most effectively achieved through fluorescein staining.