Corneal abrasion (CA) is one of the most common eye injuries, accounting for 10% of eye-related emergency visits.1 A 1985 survey showed that around 3% of all visits to US general practitioners were for corneal abrasions. In addition, in 2008, approximately 27,450 work-related eye injuries and illnesses occurred that caused missed time from work.1Due to the large number of nerve endings even small corneal injuries can produce significant pain. The discomfort is typically most pronounced in the first 24-48 hours, and in many cases showed a loss in time at work and disruption of daily activities. The current standard of care in the emergency department includes topical analgesia and antibiotics with a change to oral analgesics upon discharge. Despite the ineffectiveness of oral analgesics in treating CA pain, most physicians do not prescribe topical analgesics based on standard medical teaching. The study's aim is to further investigate the role of tetracaine in the outpatient management of CA utilizing models already established to ensure safety. To accomplish this investigators will employ a prospective, double blind, randomized control model to compare undiluted 1% tetracaine hydrochloride to normal saline in patients presenting to the ED with uncomplicated corneal abrasions. Tetracaine will be supplied in three plastic prefilled, commercially available vials, each containing 0.5 mL of preservative-free, undiluted 1% tetracaine hydrochloride (a total of 1.5 mL or approximately 50 drops will be provide to avoid overuse). Saline will also be supplied in three plastic prefilled, commercially available vials, plastic bullets. Follow up visits or calls will be provide at 48 hour to reevaluate symptoms an asses the patients perceived pain using VAS provided in participant introduction packet during the informed consent process.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Pain assessed with Visual Analog Scale
Timeframe: Up to 24 months