Abstract
Purpose: :
Treatment of pain is part of a physician’s responsibility. In treating corneal abrasions, a condition known to cause severe pain, it is necessary to address this pain appropriately. Several methods of pain control, including oral medications, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), patching, and bandage contact lenses have been suggested. This study was designed to determine whether pain from corneal abrasions is assessed and treated in an urban medical center in the Bronx, NY.
Methods: :
We reviewed fifty records of patients with corneal abrasions seen in an urban medical center in the Bronx, NY.
Results: :
Fifty medical records were reviewed, twenty-three of male patients and twenty-seven of female patients. Out of 50, 17 patients (34%) had their pain assessed and documented by the Emergency Department and 4 (8%) had their pain assessed by the Ophthalmology Department. Five patients (10%) were offered pain control from the ED; four patients (8%) were given pain medicine by the Emergency Department to take home. One patient (2%) was given a prescription for oral pain medicine by the Ophthalmology Department. No patients were given topical NSAIDs and no patients were patched. Three patients (6%) had a bandage contact lens placed by a member of the Department of Ophthalmology for comfort.
Conclusions: :
Physicians are under-treating pain in the case of acute corneal injury, a condition that is known to be extremely painful.
Keywords: cornea: epithelium