Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
07:28
Corneal Epithelial Abrasion with Ocular Burr As a Model for Cornea Wound Healing
Published on: July 10, 2018
Topical Anesthetics for Simple Corneal Abrasions
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Old Dominion University, Raleigh Building #304, 600 Gresham Drive, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA.
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|June 24, 2026
Summary
Corneal abrasions cause significant pain, but topical anesthetics were historically avoided. This review examines evidence and suggests short-term anesthetic use may be safe for pain relief.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Corneal abrasions are common emergency department complaints causing significant pain.
- Traditional treatment guidelines discourage topical anesthetic use due to concerns of complications like corneal melting and scarring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence regarding the safety of topical anesthetics for corneal abrasions.
- To evaluate the potential for short-term topical anesthetic use in managing pain associated with corneal abrasions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies and clinical guidelines.
- Analysis of evidence concerning the risks and benefits of topical anesthetics for corneal abrasions.
Main Results:
- The historical concerns regarding topical anesthetics leading to severe complications are not strongly supported by current evidence for short-term use.
- Short-term application of topical anesthetics may offer effective pain relief for patients with corneal abrasions.
Conclusions:
- Short-term topical anesthetic use for corneal abrasions may be a safe and effective option for pain management.
- Revisiting the guidelines on topical anesthetic use for corneal abrasions is warranted based on current evidence.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly used for various applications in medical and dental procedures. Some of the common agents used are cocaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine.
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
01:30Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia
Depending on the target organ, local anesthetics (LAs) can be administered via various routes. In surface anesthesia, LAs are applied directly to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. It is widely used for topical skin numbing before venipuncture or minor surgical procedures. Commonly used surface local anesthetics are lidocaine or benzocaine sprays or creams. Surface anesthesia occurs within 5 minutes and lasts for about 60 minutes. One of the main disadvantages of topical anesthesia is...
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
01:30Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Local anesthetics (LAs) are drugs that induce a temporary loss of sensation in a limited body area, preventing pain. Cocaine was the first local anesthetic discovered in the late 19th century. Cocaine is a benzoic acid ester obtained from the leaves of coca shrubs and was often used for its psychotropic effects. Cocaine was first isolated in 1860 by Albert Niemann. Sigmund Freud studied the physiological actions of cocaine. Carl Koller later introduced it into clinical practice in 1884 as a...