Chemical Eye Injury

Question 1

Types of chemical injury

Answer 1

Alkali injury

Acid Injury

Question 2

Pathogenesis of Alkali Eye Injury

Answer 2

More common and is generally more severe. It causes liquefactive necrosis of the surface epithelium of the eye, which allows for deeper penetration to the deeper layers

Question 3

Pathogenesis of Acidic Eye Injury

Answer 3

Less common and causes coagulative necrosis of the cornea, which limits the ability of the acid to penetrate the eye. Explosion of a car battery can cause a chemical injury, high velocity injury and foreign body penetration of the eye.

Question 4

Alkali Products and associated Chemicals

Answer 4

Plaster
- Calcium Hydroxide
Oven and drain cleaner
- Sodium/potassium hydroxide
Fertilisers
- Ammonium hydroxide
Lime
- Calcium carbonate

Question 5

Acidic Products and associated Chemicals

Answer 5

Toilet cleaner & Battery fluid
- Sulphuric acid
Pool cleaners & Bleach
- Sodium hydroxide
Rust removal agents
- Hydrofluoric acid

Question 6

Treatment for Chemical Eye Injury

Answer 6

Immediate copious irrigation is required. Evert the upper eyelids and commence with tap water followed by Hartmann or normal saline solution via IV tubing, for 15-30 minutes or until the pH is normalised (check with litmus paper)