Ocular injuries are common in Diwali festival. The data from a published report indicates that the most common cause of ocular injuries were bombs (37%), followed by sparklers (19%). These firecrackers contain harmful chemicals, which may cause serious damage to vision. Mild burns of grades I and II can cause hyperemia, small conjunctival ecchymosis and chemosis as well as erosion of the corneal epithelium.
In mild acid burns, ‘ground-glass’ appearance can be seen due to the coagulated corneal epithelium. Grade III and IV are associated with thrombosed visible blood vessels and dark appearance. Water is commonly recommended as an irrigation fluid for most of the ocular injuries related to chemical burns . A recently published paper claims that water is hypotonic to the corneal stroma which can increase the influx of water and hence, the absorption of harmful chemicals deeper inside the…
