What is a corneal abrasion primarily characterized by?

A corneal abrasion is primarily characterized by an injury to the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. This type of injury typically results from trauma, such as scratches from foreign objects, contact lenses, or chemicals. Symptoms of a corneal abrasion often include pain, redness, tearing, sensitivity to light, and a feeling that something is in the eye.

When considering the nature of a corneal abrasion, it is important to recognize that it specifically pertains to the damage inflicted on the corneal tissue itself rather than other eye structures. Therefore, understanding that a corneal abrasion is defined by this particular type of injury helps clarify its nature and implications for visual health.