The patient with a corneal laceration has experienced significant ocular trauma, typically from a metallic object such as a hand tool. There is intense pain initially which may diminish slightly due to corneal desensitization.
Patients are photophobic and lacrimate profusely.
There is a significant attendant uveitis and the anterior chamber is shallow or even flat in a full thickness laceration. Intraocular pressure generally ranges from 2 to 6 mmHg. Bubbles within the anterior chamber are a key finding. There is significantly reduced visual acuity. Other associated findings may include lens dislocation, iridodialysis, and hyphema.