A 50-year-old member asked:
How can i tell if it's a corneal abrasion or conjunctivitis?
4 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
Dr. Elizabeth Hollandanswered
Specializes in Ophthalmology
You can't : Corneal abrasions and conjunctivitis may both present with a red eye. It is important to see your eyecare provider right away as the condition may be serious.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Jay Peposeanswered
Ophthalmology 41 years experience
Pain: The cornea has more nerve endings than any part of the body, even your fingertiip. Corneal abrasions are painful, may have reflex tearing and light sensitivity if located in the central cornea, vision can be affected. Abrasions can become infected, resulting in scarring and vision loss. Conjunctivitis is associated with a red eye and there can be some discharge. It is usuallly self-limiting.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Asim Pirachaanswered
Ophthalmology 28 years experience
Pain: Abrasions are typically from trauma, foreign bodies, or even recurrent erosions with typically one eye involved, can be very painful, the vision can be significantly affected, there is a lot of clear watery discharge. Conjunctivitis is typically bilateral, vision is usually good, and the symptoms progress. Usually the white of the eye is red/pink (i.e. Pink eye).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. William Dieckanswered
Ophthalmology 40 years experience
Both need exam: Conjunctivitis normally has a discharge with possibly a mild foreign body sensation. A corneal abrasion has a significant foreign body sensation with tearing , and occasionally photophobia.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Alfredo Garcia commented
Pediatrics 58 years experience
Corneal abrasion produces extreme pain. Both can present with redness and tearing.
Mar 3, 2013
Similar questions
A 31-year-old member asked:
How to treat conjunctivitis and corneal abrasion?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Chandleranswered
Ophthalmology 31 years experience
Get medical help: Conjunctivitis is an infection of the membrane that lines the white of the eye and the inside of the eyelid. This is commonly viral or bacterial. Antibiotic and / or anti-inflammatory eye drops can be used, once a diagnosis is made. It is usually very contagious. A corneal abrasion is a scratch of the cornea, which is clear. This is painful, and may require patching, antibiotics, and ointment.
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5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 2, 2015
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