title: Do topical antibiotics help corneal epithelial trauma?
abstract: Topical antibiotics are routinely used in emergency rooms to treat corneal trauma, although no published evidence supports this treatment. In a noncomparative clinical trial, 351 patients with corneal epithelial injuries were treated without antibiotics. The infection rate was 0.7%, suggesting that such injuries can be safely and effectively managed without antibiotics. A comparative clinical trial is neither warranted nor feasible.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Queen's University's Faculty of Medicine, Kingston.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Brison
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents