Aftercare

• Oral NSAIDs for pain relief.
• Avoid rubbing the eye to prevent further damage.
• Avoid use of contact lenses until symptoms have resolved.
• Small corneal abrasions are self-limited and typically heal within 24-48 hours.
• Topical antibiotics are recommended for corneal abrasions to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
  • Consider ointment versus drops as ointment functions as a lubricant.
  • Antibiotic preparations containing corticosteroids should be avoided as they slow epithelial healing and can increase the risk of secondary infection.
  • Non-contact lens wearers: Erythromycin ointment.
  • Contact lens wearers: requires Pseudomonas coverage (i.e., ciprofloxacin).

Follow-up

• Consider daily follow-up for large corneal ulcers until healing has occurred due to increased risk of secondary bacterial infection
• Return if symptoms persist beyond 48 hours
• Return of symptoms continue to worsen in the initial 24-48 hours
• Pediatric patients who are unwilling to open their eye after 24 hours should be referred to ophthalmology

Corneal Abrasion Assessment – Patient Education Handout