Corneal foreign body: Management and clinical simulation training

Abstract

For patients with eye injuries, especially corneal foreign bodies, care pathways may vary depending on many circumstances. Mild cases can progress rapidly within hours and threaten the functional prognosis. Various clinical practitioners may be consulted for urgent care in this context. Each provider will propose specific care according to their resources and level of specialization. A well-codified management strategy and adequate training of healthcare providers might ensure improved standards of care for patients. Several classification tools for corneal foreign bodies are available. Removal is the mainstay of treatment, and several techniques are described, particularly in cases of metallic foreign bodies. The use of slit-lamp magnification should be considered in most cases. Various clinical simulation models have already been tested. We present herein an original model that takes advantage of affordability and realistic visual and tactile feedback, as well as innovative early recognition of iatrogenic corneal perforation and realistic interference from the upper eyelid.