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 NICE CKS.
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 NICE CKS.
Cycloplegics are not recommended as they do not improve healing or pain management and may worsen symptoms like glare NICE CKS.
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 NICE CKS.
Topical NSAIDs are not routinely recommended due to insufficient evidence of benefit and higher cost compared to oral analgesics NICE CKS.
Oral analgesia such as paracetamol is advised for symptom relief NICE CKS.