Corneal Foreign Body Removal by Emergency Physicians

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the success rate and the safety in the treatment of corneal foreign body injury by an emergency physician trained in their removal. METHODS: Any patients presenting at the emergency department of a large university-based residency teaching hospital with corneal foreign body injuries during ninety months were included in this prospective study. Twenty patients were eligible. Junior residents participated in this study. They were taught to remove corneal foreign bodies by the attending emergency physician. Healing evaluation was performed by an ophthalmologist. Patients not presenting for a visit were contacted by telephone, and information was collected on the assessment of discomfort and the presence of symptoms. RESULTS: All corneal foreign bodies were successfully removed, and no adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSION: Corneal foreign body removal by emergency physician, if properly trained, appears to be successful and safe.