A chemical injury to the eye presents a genuine, acute emergency and requires immediate intervention. Instantaneous evaluation and management following the initial injury often determines the clinical course and prevent tragic consequences. This article briefly describes the effective approach to management of ocular chemical burns. Ocular Chemical injuries most commonly occur in the younger population. At least 90% of these injuries occur as accidental exposures which typically take place in industrial settings and often occur despite the use of safety glasses.
Often the treatment goals of ocular chemical burns are to restore corneal clarity, normalize the ocular surface, and prevent glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Diagnosis The pH of the ocular surface should be periodically tested in the case of chemical burns. Irrigation should be continued until the pH reaches neutrality. Other…
