Topical Anesthetics for Simple Corneal Abrasions

Corneal abrasions are some of the most common ocular complaints seen in the emergency department and are associated with significant discomfort. Although simple corneal abrasions usually heal within 2 to 3 days, treatment is often needed to help alleviate the pain. The prescribing of topical anesthetics historically has been strongly discouraged due to concerns for complications such as corneal melting and scaring. Here, we review the evidence behind this long-standing concern and propose a potentially safe role for short-term topical anesthetic use.