What topical treatments are recommended for corneal abrasions in primary care settings?

For managing corneal abrasions in primary care, topical broad-spectrum antibiotics such as chloramphenicol are recommended to prevent bacterial superinfection, especially if there is a risk of infection due to contamination or foreign matter. Treatment is typically continued until 24 hours after the patient becomes symptom-free ¹.

Topical anaesthetics should not be prescribed for ongoing pain relief as they can delay corneal healing and cause toxicity; their use is limited to a single dose to aid foreign body removal only ¹.

Cycloplegics are not recommended as they do not improve healing or pain management and may worsen symptoms like glare ¹.

Ocular lubricants (non-prescription lubricating eye drops or ointments) may be used to relieve symptoms, with drops preferred during the day and ointments at night due to potential blurring of vision ¹.

Topical NSAIDs are not routinely recommended due to insufficient evidence of benefit and higher cost compared to oral analgesics ¹.

Oral analgesia such as paracetamol is advised for symptom relief ¹.