Treatment
Although small abrasions may require no specific treatment, larger abrasions are typically treated for a few days with a topical antibiotic to prevent infection and sometimes a topical cycloplegic to reduce pain and improve comfort.. A single large study by John W King, et al.; showed that only 0.7% of corneal abrasions actually become infected without antibiotic drops, questioning the necessity of such practice. The cycloplegic may also reduce a secondary inflammation of the iris known as an iritis. A 2000 review however found no good evidence to support the use of cycloplegics/mydriatics. It is often believed that eye pads used in "pressure patching" may improve comfort and promote healing by preventing repeated eyelid blinking that may cause further physical disruption to the cornea. Controlled studies have however not supported this assertion.
Due to the introduction of newer contact lens materials, mainly silicone hydrogels, pressure patch treatment is being phased out and replaced by "bandage contact lenses". These newer materials provide much more oxygen to the cornea and can be fitted tightly (providing minimal movement) with a low risk of corneal hypoxia and oedema. These lenses greatly decrease the patients pain and allow the patient to administer drops.
For recurrent corneal erosions, treatment may be had with a laser surgery called phototherapeutic keratectomy.
Topical anesthetics are not to be used for continued pain control as they can reduce healing and cause secondary keratitis.
Read more about this topic: Corneal Abrasion
Famous quotes containing the word treatment:
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—Anna Quindlen (b. 1952)
“Our treatment of both older people and children reflects the value we place on independence and autonomy. We do our best to make our children independent from birth. We leave them all alone in rooms with the lights out and tell them, “Go to sleep by yourselves.” And the old people we respect most are the ones who will fight for their independence, who would sooner starve to death than ask for help.”
—Margaret Mead (1901–1978)
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—C. John Sommerville (20th century)