Treating simple corneal abrasions with a patch does not improve healing rates on the first day post-injury and does not reduce pain. In addition, use of patches results in a loss of binocular vision. Therefore it is recommended that patches should not be used for simple corneal abrasions. Further research should focus on large (greater than 10 mm2) abrasions.
No eye pad for corneal abrasion.
We have carried out a randomised clinical trial to assess the healing rate and level of discomfort experienced in two groups of patients with simple traumatic corneal abrasions. Patients treated with antibiotic ointment and mydriatic alone have a significantly improved healing rate compared with those treated with antibiotic ointment, mydriatic and a double eye pad with bandage (0.05 > p > 0.02). There was no significant difference in the level of discomfort experienced by the two groups.