A comparison of topical anaesthesia with placebo for the managment of minor corneal trauma.

INTERVENTION: Dispensing 1.5 mL of eye drops, 0.4% amethocaine, for out‐patient management of ocular pain in the first 48hr following the initial emergency department presentation with corneal abrasion, corneal foreign body or UV keratitis. CONDITION: Emergency department presentations of corneal abrasion, corneal foreign bodies and UV keratitis. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Is there complete corneal re‐epithelialisation (as defined by an absence of fluorescein uptake) at a follow‐up visit 36‐48hr following discharge from the initial assessment? (yes/no) SECONDARY OUTCOME: Quality of analgesia Satisfaction with managment INCLUSION CRITERIA: (a) Superficial corneal abrasion with clear history of trauma; (b) superficial corneal abrasion with foreign body; or (c) ultraviolet keratitis with clear history of welding flash exposure.