Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for corneal abrasions in children.

QUESTION Corneal abrasion from minor injury to the eye is common in both adults and children. Some of my colleagues prescribe topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for analgesia. How safe is this practice? ANSWER Topical ophthalmic NSAIDs are a short-term effective treatment of the pain associated with corneal abrasions in children. Rare but serious complications have been reported in adult case-study series. Children with corneal abrasions should have follow-up appointments within 24 to 48 hours to assess healing, complications, and side effects of treatment, particularly if they are using topical NSAIDs.