Corneal abrasion is a very common eye injury. An abrasion is defined as a defect in the corneal surface superficial to the Bowman membrane and limited to the epithelial layers. Being the commonest eye injury the care of this condition reflects the care given to patients with any eye problem
Is corneal abrasion managed appropriately according to best practice guidelines?
Retrospective audit
Sample: 30-50 Emergency Department patient records
Criteria:
Inclusions: All patients above the age of 2 years presenting with corneal abrasions
Exclusions: Penetrating eye injury, patients with chronic eye disease
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1st December 2008
Date | Patients | Measured | Results | Standard | Regional avg. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
01st December 2008 | Patients attending ED with corneal abrasion | Managememnt of patients according to the criteria | All patients prescribed topical antibiotics | 100 % | 95 % |
Evidence of fluroscein examination | 100 % | 79 % | |||
All patients examined in both eyes for visual acuity | 100 % | 77 % | |||
Appropriate pain relief offered | 100 % | 69 % |
A mixed set of results, with examination for visual acuity and pain relief improving, and fluroscein scores decreasing by 9%. However, the administration of antibiotics achieves target.
Work required around both the visual acuity and fluroscein examinations, and pain relief.