Treatment of Corneal Abrasions With Topical Tetracaine

Launched by NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN BROOKLYN METHODIST HOSPITAL · May 10, 2016

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

Corneal abrasion (CA) is one of the most common eye injuries, accounting for 10% of eye-related emergency visits.1 A 1985 survey showed that around 3% of all visits to US general practitioners were for corneal abrasions. In addition, in 2008, approximately 27,450 work-related eye injuries and illnesses occurred that caused missed time from work.1Due to the large number of nerve endings even small corneal injuries can produce significant pain. The discomfort is typically most pronounced in the first 24-48 hours, and in many cases showed a loss in time at work and disruption of daily activiti...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients \> 18 years of age with a primary diagnosis of uncomplicated corneal abrasion presenting to NYMH emergency department
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients\<18 years of age with complicated corneal abrasions or other eye injuries
• • Present more than 36 hours after their initial injury
• • Had previous eye surgery or cataracts
• • Wear contact lenses or if their injury was caused from contact lens wear
• • Had injured both eyes
• • Unable to give informed consent
• • Current infectious or chemical conjunctivitis
• • Have a grossly contaminated foreign body in their eye
• • Currently suffering from an ocular infection
• • Currently or previously had herpes keratitis
• • Allergies to tetracaine or similar medication classes
• • Had an injury requiring urgent ophthalmologic evaluation; including penetrating eye injuries, large or complicated corneal abrasions, or injuries causing a significant disruption of visio)
• • Unable to attend follow up in 48 hours