Title

Use of Topical Anesthetics in the Management of Patients With Simple Corneal Abrasions

Authoring Organization

Publication Month/Year

February 6, 2024

Last Updated Month/Year

August 1, 2024

Document Type

Guideline

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

The management of corneal abrasions has largely excluded dispensing topical local anesthetics for home use due to concern for corneal toxicity. We have reviewed and critically appraised the available literature evidence regarding the use of topical anesthetics in patients with simple corneal abrasions. Using sequential Delphi review, we have developed these clinical guidelines. Herein are evidentiary summaries and consensus recommendations for 8 specific relevant questions. Our key observation is that for only simple corneal abrasions, as diagnosed and treated in accordance with the full protocol described herein, it appears safe to prescribe or otherwise provide a commercial topical anesthetic (ie, proparacaine, tetracaine, oxybuprocaine) for use up to every 30 minutes as needed during the first 24 hours after presentation, as long as no more than 1.5 to 2 mL total (an expected 24-hour supply) is dispensed and any remainder is discarded after 24 hours. Importantly, although published findings suggest absent harm for short courses, more rigorous studies with a greater cumulative sample size and ophthalmologic follow-up are needed.

Inclusion Criteria

Male, Female, Adolescent, Adult, Child, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Emergency care, Hospital, Outpatient

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Treatment, Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D065306 - Corneal Injuries, D000777 - Anesthetics

Keywords

Corneal Abrasions, Topical Anesthetics

Source Citation

Green SM, Tomaszewski C, Valente JH, Lo B, Milne K. Use of Topical Anesthetics in the Management of Patients With Simple Corneal Abrasions: Consensus Guidelines from the American College of Emergency Physicians. Ann Emerg Med. 2024 Feb 6:S0196-0644(24)00004-0. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2024.01.004. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38323950.