title: The management of corneal abrasions in accident and emergency.
abstract: Recent debate over the use of eyepads and mydriatics for corneal abrasions in ophthalmology departments (Mindin et al., 1996, JAMA 1996; 27: 837) has prompted this review of the management of small corneal abrasions (< 60% of cornea) in a large teaching hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department. Ninety-nine patients were studied who presented to the Leicester Royal Infirmary A&E Department with a corneal abrasion; 49 were given an eye pad and 50 were not given an eye pad. All patients received chloramphenicol (1%) ointment. There was no significance difference between the two groups in terms of the duration of pain (p > 0.2). Four patients developed corneal infections (two wore an eyepad, two had no eye pad). There was only one patient who suffered a transient but significant reduction in visual acuity (6/9-6/18), following the use of an eye pad and subsequent diagnosis in eye casualty of a dendritic ulcer. It is concluded that accident and emergency treatment of small corneal abrasions is safe and effective if an eye pad is not given. Previous criticisms of A&E management of eye problems (Nayeen and Stansfield, Archs Emerg Med, 1992; 9: 257) are unfounded in this department.
authors.affiliation: Accident and Emergency Department, Leicester Royal Infirmary, UK.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hart
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Conboy
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Quinton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001458:Bandages; D002701:Chloramphenicol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D015817:Eye Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002701:Chloramphenicol