Some doctors and nurses are rightfully concerned about placing a “large piece of plastic” on an already injured eye. They’re concerned about further damage to the cornea–i.e. abrasions. The fact is that any significant corneal insult (acid, alkali, thermal or actinic burns) or infections (corneal ulcer, abscess, Stevens-Johnson, etc.) will cause a corneal abrasion, and millions of these have been successfully treated using the Morgan Lens.
Minor corneal abrasions, such as those induced by contact lenses, are often treated by patching the eye, preventing further irritation by the eyelids and eliminating photophobia. A more seriously abraded cornea caused by acid, alkali, dirt, or other foreign materials, can be made more comfortable simply by the presence of the Morgan Lens even if it were inserted without irrigation (NOT recommended) as it vaults the cornea, separating it from the sweeping action of the eyelids, preventing further damage. In addition, the patient is able to close the eyes, eliminating photophobia and creating a more relaxed situation.
The addition of the irrigating solution (MorTan recommends lactated Ringer’s) means the offending material and the damaged tissue is quickly removed from the cornea and other affected regions of the eye. The irritated tissues are cooled, oxygen is delivered to the cornea, and the eyelids are kept from causing additional damage while the caustics are diluted and washed away. With the solution flowing, the Morgan Lens “floats” above the eyeball with the layer of solution separating the lens from both the cornea and the inner lids. No pooling or “cesspool” condition exists.
Dr. Morgan performed numerous fluorescein studies and never saw a corneal abrasion caused by the Morgan Lens. This is due to the technique of starting the fluid before insertion, keeping the flow going the entire time the lens is in place, and removing the lens while the fluid is still running. The lens is, therefore, constantly floating on the cushion of fluid and not touching the cornea. Improper handling or insertion of the Morgan Lens could possibly lead to minor corneal changes, and prolonged irrigation with Normal Saline has been shown to cause corneal staining and discomfort.