Topical analgesia for superficial corneal injuries. Issue 3 (May 1996)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brahma, A K; Shah, S; Hillier, V F; McLeod, D; Sabala, T; Brown, A; Marsden, J
• Is Part Of: Journal of accident & emergency medicine. Volume 13:Issue 3(1996)
• Page Start: 186
• Page End: 188
• Publication Date: 1996-05
• Subjects: Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.1136/emj.13.3.186
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2633-6138

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE--To assess the analgesic effects of a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, flurbiprofen 0.03%, during healing after superficial corneal injuries. METHODS--401 patients treated for corneal abrasion in a five month period were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: polyvinyl alcohol alone (control), homatropine 2%, flurbiprofen 0.03%, or homatropine 2% followed by flurbiprofen 0.03%. Treatments were given for 48 h. Ocular pain was recorded on a visual analogue scale by the patients over the first 24 h, and use of oral analgesics was also recorded. Usable responses were received from 224 patients (55.8%). RESULTS--Patients treated with flurbiprofen had significantly lower pain scores for the 24 h duration of the study than controls (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS--Flurbiprofen eye drops provide more effective pain relief than traditional treatments for superficial corneal injuries.