East Region Formulary
NHS Scotland

Corneal abrasions

For general guidance on administration of drugs to the eye and on control of microbial contamination of eye drops, please see the ‘General information on eye drops’ recommendations.

Treatment of corneal abrasions

Refer to community optometrist

Chloramphenicol
Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment

Every 6-8 hours for 3-7 days. Frequency and duration is guided by severity and response to treatment.

Lubricating ointment

Xailin Night
Xailin Night eye ointment preservative free

Frequency and duration is guided by severity and response to treatment.

Prescribing Notes:

  • Corneal abrasions may be treated with chloramphenicol eye ointment +/- lubricants. Optional lubricating ointment (e.g. Xailin Night) may be added in-between, i.e. alternating with the chloramphenicol.
  • Simple analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may be required for pain relief.
  • Following healing, local ophthalmologists recommend lubricating eye ointment at night for 3–6 months in most cases. This is important when there is underlying pathology such as trauma or map-dot-fingerprint (MDF) corneal dystrophy to prevent recurrent erosion syndrome. Lubricating eye drops (e.g carbomer, sodium hyaluronate) may also be recommended, with the frequency of administration to be decided based on initial presentation and previous history of corneal abrasion. Lubricant eye drops and ointments can be purchased ‘over the counter’ in pharmacies. For more information on formulary choices see recommendations for dry eyes.

History Notes

15/12/2021

East Region Formulary content agreed.

Treatment of corneal abrasions

Corneal abrasions in children can be managed by optometrists in the community where they feel confident to do so, alternatively refer to hospital (ophthalmology).


Chloramphenicol
Chloramphenicol 1% eye ointment

See BNFc for dose, for 3-7 days. Frequency and duration are guided by severity and response to treatment.

Lubricating ointment.

Xailin Night
Xailin Night eye ointment preservative free

Frequency and duration are guided by severity and response to treatment.

Prescribing Notes:

  • Corneal abrasions may be treated with chloramphenicol eye ointment +/- lubricants. Optional lubricating ointment (e.g. Xailin Night) may be added in-between, i.e. alternating with the chloramphenicol.
  • Simple analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may be required for pain relief.
  • Children do not generally get recurrent corneal erosions and hence longer-term lubricants are not required following healing.

History Notes

15/01/2024

East Region Formulary content agreed.