[Treatment of traumatic corneal abrasion: results of a national survey among German ophthalmologists].

BACKGROUND

Traumatic corneal abrasion is a common condition in acute ophthalmologic care. To date, no data are available on the practical care of affected patients in Germany. This study focuses on simple traumatic corneal abrasion without foreign bodies, corneal burns or involvement of other ocular structures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An online survey with 32 questions about the management of traumatic corneal abrasion was conducted among members of the German Society of Ophthalmology (DOG) and the German Professional Association of Ophthalmologists (BVA).

RESULTS

A total of 959 questionnaires were analyzed. Of the respondents, 57% prescribe a local antibiotic, most frequently ofloxacin, with a median frequency of four times daily for 5 days. Among those who do not prescribe antibiotics, 73% schedule a follow-up appointment in their clinic or practice. Therapeutic contact lenses are used by 60% of respondents, with specialists employing them significantly more often than residents. Ophthalmic dressing is used by 40%. Systemic analgesics are prescribed by 10%, while local analgesics are used by 2%.

CONCLUSIONS

The routine use of antibiotics reflects concerns about infection, although a substantial number of respondents omit them when follow-ups are planned. Therapeutic contact lenses are widely used for symptom relief. Systemic and local analgesics are used remarkably rarely, which indicates a possible underestimation of pain therapy.