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Should we patch corneal erosions?
J D Arbour1, I Brunette, H M Boisjoly
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Montreal, Quebec.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Patching corneal abrasions does not speed up healing or reduce patient discomfort. This study found no significant difference in reepithelialization speed or pain between patched and non-patched eyes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Wound Healing Research
Background:
- Corneal abrasions are common eye injuries.
- The efficacy of patching in promoting corneal reepithelialization and managing patient discomfort remains a subject of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of eye patching on the rate of corneal reepithelialization.
- To assess slit-lamp signs of epithelial wound healing.
- To determine the effect of patching on patient-reported discomfort following corneal abrasion.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 46 patients with corneal erosions.
- Eyes were divided into two groups: patched and non-patched.
- Daily slit-lamp examinations and fluorescein-stained corneal photography were used to monitor healing, with analysis via computer-assisted planimetry.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in the initial erosion size between patched and non-patched eyes.
- Both linear and surface speeds of reepithelialization were comparable in both groups.
- Patching did not significantly affect pain, inflammation, or other clinical signs of corneal healing.
Conclusions:
- Eye patching does not significantly accelerate the reepithelialization process for corneal abrasions.
- Patching does not alter the pattern of epithelial wound healing or reduce inflammation.
- The use of eye patches offers no discernible advantage over non-patched treatment for pain relief or healing in corneal abrasions.