What is the best procedure for evaluating a corneal abrasion?

The best procedure for evaluating a corneal abrasion is the use of fluorescein stain. This method involves applying a special fluorescent dye, which will retain within any defects in the corneal epithelium. When illuminated with a blue light, areas where the cornea is damaged will appear to glow, allowing for a clear visual assessment of the abrasion's size and location. This procedure is crucial because corneal abrasions can lead to complications such as infections if not properly identified and managed.

In contrast, tonometry measures intraocular pressure and is useful for diagnosing conditions like glaucoma but does not provide any direct information about the presence or extent of a corneal abrasion. A visual field test assesses the central and peripheral vision but similarly does not evaluate the condition of the cornea. Funduscopy allows for the examination of the interior of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve, which is important for identifying other eye conditions but does not address epithelial injuries like abrasions. Thus, fluorescein stain stands out as the most effective method for directly assessing a corneal abrasion.