What Happens When the Corneal Epithelium is Damaged?
Damage to the corneal epithelium can lead to several complications:
Corneal Abrasion: Minor injuries like scratches can cause pain, tearing, and blurred vision but typically heal quickly. Infection Risk: Breaches in the epithelial barrier increase the risk of microbial infections such as bacterial keratitis. Scarring: Severe damage can lead to scarring, potentially affecting vision if the transparency of the cornea is compromised.