Managing Corneal Abrasion: Treatment Duration and Side Effects Explained

Q: Managing Corneal Abrasion: Treatment Duration and Side Effects Explained

Hello Sophie： You can use artificial tears, which can help with inflammation and dryness. <br>Long-term supplementation of tears may be necessary to prevent corneal abrasion. <br>As for whether the corneal abrasion has healed, the simplest way to judge is by checking if you exper

Corneal abrasion

Hello Doctor: Previously, I experienced dryness and a stinging sensation in my left eye.
The doctor diagnosed it as a corneal abrasion and prescribed Comfort Eye Drops and artificial tears.
After using them for a week, I noticed improvement, but after stopping the medication for one day, the stinging sensation returned.
During my follow-up visit, the doctor advised me to continue using the medication without specifying for how long or if I needed another follow-up appointment.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
The long-term side effect of Comfort Eye Drops is rebound hyperemia; should I continue using them? For how long? 2.
How can I determine if the corneal abrasion has healed? Thank you, Doctor.

Sophie, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/28

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Sophie: You can use artificial tears, which can help with inflammation and dryness.
Long-term supplementation of tears may be necessary to prevent corneal abrasion.
As for whether the corneal abrasion has healed, the simplest way to judge is by checking if you experience any stinging or tearing.
If there is no discomfort, it is likely that you have mostly recovered.
Online answers can only serve as a reference; if necessary, you should seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Best regards, Gao Pilin.

Reply Date: 2021/06/28

More Info

Managing corneal abrasions can be a delicate process, and it's essential to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations closely. Corneal abrasions, which are essentially scratches on the surface of the cornea, can cause significant discomfort and may lead to complications if not treated properly.
1. Long-term Use of Eye Drops: The eye drops you mentioned, such as the anti-inflammatory eye drops (可舒炎眼藥水), are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and promote healing. However, one of the potential side effects of long-term use of these drops is rebound hyperemia, which is a condition where the blood vessels in the eye become more dilated after stopping the medication, leading to redness and discomfort. This is particularly common with certain types of eye drops that contain preservatives or steroids.
It is crucial to follow your doctor's advice regarding the duration of use. If your doctor has advised you to continue using the drops, it is likely because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks at this stage of your healing. However, if you have concerns about long-term use, it is essential to discuss these with your doctor. They may suggest a tapering schedule or alternative treatments to minimize side effects while still promoting healing.

2. Determining Healing of the Corneal Abrasion: To assess whether your corneal abrasion has healed, you should look for a reduction in symptoms. Key indicators include:
- Decreased pain or discomfort in the eye.

- Reduced sensitivity to light (photophobia).

- Improvement in vision clarity.

- Absence of tearing or excessive discharge.

Your eye doctor may also perform a slit-lamp examination, which allows them to visualize the cornea more clearly and determine if the abrasion has healed. They may use a special dye (fluorescein) that highlights any remaining defects on the corneal surface.
If you continue to experience symptoms like stinging or pain after stopping the drops, it may indicate that the abrasion has not fully healed or that there is another underlying issue. In such cases, it is advisable to return to your eye care provider for a follow-up examination.

In summary, while it is essential to manage the symptoms of a corneal abrasion with appropriate medication, it is equally important to monitor for side effects and ensure that the healing process is progressing. Always communicate openly with your healthcare provider about any concerns or persistent symptoms, as they can provide tailored advice based on your specific situation.

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