Limit topical anaesthetics to single use for initial symptom relief and to aid examination
Repeated use of topical anaesthetics may be toxic to the corneal epithelium and may impair healing (e.g., risks corneal melting, ring infiltrates, and infection).[13][15][16]
Topical anaesthetics can provide initial symptom relief and aid examination in patients with corneal abrasions or recurrent corneal erosions, but should be limited to single use by a medical professional.[13][15][16]
Patients should not receive topical anesthetics for use at home.[15]
Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- presence of risk factors
- eye pain
- tearing
- photophobia
- blurred vision
- ciliary flush
Other diagnostic factors
- presence of foreign body
- red reflex
- corneal opacity
- rust ring
- blepharospasm
Risk factors
- eye trauma
- foreign body in the eye
- contact lens use
- working in the automotive industry
- lack of protective eyewear
- prior corneal abrasion
- deployment of airbag during motor vehicle collision
Diagnostic investigations
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors
Christopher McStay, MD
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Department of Emergency Medicine
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
New York
NY
Disclosures
CM declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Christopher Tedeschi, MD
Instructor in Clinical Medicine
Emergency Medicine Department
New York Presbyterian Hospital
Columbia University Medical Center
New York
NY
Disclosures
CT declares that he has no competing interests.
Rasik Vajpayee, MD
Chair of Ophthalmology
Corneal and Cataract Surgery
University of Melbourne
Melbourne
Australia
Disclosures
RV declares that he has no competing interests.
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