More Evidence that Short-Term Tetracaine Is Safe for Patients with Corneal Abrasions

Large observational study finds no serious adverse events.

According to standard dogma based on animal studies and case reports suggesting risk for ophthalmic complications, tetracaine should not be given to patients with corneal abrasions. However, prior research suggests that topical anesthetics are safe for such patients (NEJM JW Emerg Med Jun 2014 and Acad Emerg Med 2014; 21:374). Now, investigators at a single ED in New Zealand conducted an observational study spanning a 21-month period before and after tetracaine was allowed for treatment of corneal abrasion patients. Those who received tetracaine were instructed to use the agent for no more than 24 hours.

During the study period, 1576 initial ED presentations for corneal abrasion occurred, with 532 deemed “simple” and 1044 deemed “nonsimple” …

Reviewing Author

Daniel J. Pallin, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardPortola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Speaker’s BureauPeerView Institute for Medical Education

Grant/Research SupportAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality; CDC; NIH–National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences; NIH–National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); NIH–NIAID–Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group; Merck; Pfizer; Boehringer-Ingelheim; Shire; Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Novartis; bioMérieux; Siemens; Rapid Pathogen Screening; Magnolia; Stago; Innovative Biosensors; Molecular Detection, Inc.; Dyax Corp.; Trius Pharmaceuticals

Daniel J. Pallin, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardPortola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Speaker’s BureauPeerView Institute for Medical Education

More Evidence that Short-Term Tetracaine Is Safe for Patients with Corneal Abrasions

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Reviewing Author