Scratching the Surface: Re-evaluating the Management of Corneal Abrasions.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Emergency Medicine
• Optometry

Background:

• Corneal abrasions are frequent causes of emergency department visits for ocular pain.
• Despite being often self-limiting, improper management can lead to severe complications such as infectious keratitis and vision loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on corneal abrasion pathophysiology, evaluation, and management.
• To identify variability and controversies in clinical practice across multiple specialties.
• To highlight the need for standardized, evidence-based protocols.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of existing literature.
• Synthesis of perspectives from emergency medicine, primary care, optometry, and ophthalmology.
• Analysis of diagnostic methods including history, visual acuity, and fluorescein staining.

Main Results:

• Diagnosis is primarily clinical, relying on patient history and specific eye examinations.
• Management options are diverse but often lack robust prospective evidence.
• Significant controversy exists regarding the use of topical anesthetics for pain control due to safety concerns.

Conclusions:

• There is a lack of standardized, evidence-based protocols for corneal abrasion management.
• Variability in treatment approaches across specialties contributes to inconsistent patient care.
• High-quality clinical studies are needed to establish evidence-based guidelines and improve patient outcomes.