Pain relief for scratched cornea

Dear Ask The Doctor: My cornea was scratched on Sunday,and the pain is still intense. Have you any advice to alleviate the pain? I have been putting chloramphenicol cream in my eye four times a day since Sunday, I have also been taking Co-codamol®, ibuprofen and paracetamol, and am now struggling to cope with the pain.

Dear Peter: It is surprising that despite the several medications that you are currently taking, you are still in significant pain. That might suggest that there is more significant injury or you have developed some complication related to your corneal injury. i suggest you see your physician as soon as possible to have your eyes examined. It is possible you have developed an infection which does not respond to the Chloramphenicol eye drops and that you require oral or even intravenous antibiotics. Please do not hesitate to see your doctor!