April 2009
Volume 50, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   April 2009
Under-Treatment of Pain in Acute Corneal Injury
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • R. Bloom
    Ophthalmology, Albert Einstein College of Med, New York, New York
  • J. B. Rosenberg
    Ophthalmology, Albert Einstein College of Med, New York, New York
  • A. Madu
    Ophthalmology, Albert Einstein College of Med, New York, New York
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  R. Bloom, None; J.B. Rosenberg, None; A. Madu, None.
  • Footnotes
    Support  None.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science April 2009, Vol.50, 4624. doi:
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      R. Bloom, J. B. Rosenberg, A. Madu; Under-Treatment of Pain in Acute Corneal Injury. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2009;50(13):4624.

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      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

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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 
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