Chemical eye injury

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Chemical eye injury
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Eye pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, swelling
Complications	Corneal ulcer, glaucoma, cataract, vision loss
Onset	Immediate
Duration	Varies, can be long-term
Types	N/A
Causes	Acid or alkali exposure
Risks	Occupational hazard, household cleaning products
Diagnosis	Eye examination, pH testing
Differential diagnosis	Conjunctivitis, foreign body in the eye
Prevention	Protective eyewear, safety protocols
Treatment	Irrigation, topical antibiotics, steroids, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on severity and promptness of treatment
Frequency	Common in industrial settings
Deaths	N/A

Overview of chemical eye injuries

Introduction

Chemical burn injury to the eye.

A chemical eye injury occurs when a chemical substance comes into contact with the eye, potentially causing damage to the cornea, conjunctiva, and other ocular structures. These injuries can result from exposure to acids, alkalis, or other chemical agents and can lead to varying degrees of vision impairment or blindness.

Causes

Chemical eye injuries are typically caused by accidental splashes of chemicals, improper handling of substances, or exposure to chemical vapors. Common sources include household cleaning agents, industrial chemicals, and laboratory reagents. Alkali burns, such as those from ammonia or sodium hydroxide, tend to penetrate ocular tissues more deeply than acid burns, making them particularly dangerous.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a chemical eye injury can vary depending on the type and concentration of the chemical involved. Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain and burning sensation
• Redness and irritation
• Tearing and inability to open the eye
• Blurred vision
• Swelling of the eyelids

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a chemical eye injury involves a thorough examination by an ophthalmologist. The assessment may include:

• Visual acuity test
• Slit-lamp examination
• pH testing of the ocular surface
• Fluorescein staining to assess corneal damage

Treatment

Immediate and copious irrigation of the eye with water or saline is crucial to minimize damage. The goal is to restore the normal pH of the ocular surface as quickly as possible. Further treatment may include:

• Topical antibiotics to prevent infection
• Cycloplegic agents to relieve pain
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Surgical intervention in severe cases

Prognosis

The prognosis of a chemical eye injury depends on the severity of the burn and the promptness of treatment. Mild injuries may heal with minimal intervention, while severe injuries can lead to permanent vision loss or require corneal transplantation.

Prevention

Preventive measures include wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as goggles or face shields when handling chemicals, ensuring proper storage and labeling of chemical substances, and having emergency eyewash stations readily available in workplaces.

See also

• Corneal abrasion
• Ocular trauma
• Eye protection