Chemical burn in the eye

A chemical burn in the eye occurs when a liquid, solid, powder or aerosol substance in the air comes into contact with the eye. In most cases the burn occurs due to the substance being splashed onto the face, but it can also happen due to rubbing the eyes after contact with various chemical substances. The potential of chemical substances to damage the eye is great and is affected by the type of substance and by the amount of exposure. In mild situations the result can be slight, temporary redness and irritation of the eye, and in severe situations the injury can lead as far as blindness or loss of the eye. Alkaline substances cause the worst damage and they include ammonia and various cleaning agents. In cases of exposure of the eye to a chemical substance it is important to obtain medical help urgently for the purpose of rapid assessment and treatment.

Symptoms of a chemical burn in the eye

The symptoms depend on the type of substance splashed into the eye and on the severity of the injury and may include a sensation of burning and irritation in the eye, redness, pain, swelling in the eyelids, blurred vision and increased watering in the eyes.

The first action that will be carried out after a chemical burn is thorough rinsing of the eye. Such rinsing considerably reduces the risk of injury and long-term damage. After the rinsing the doctor will measure the acidity level (PH) of the tears in order to determine whether the chemical substance has been rinsed out properly. Subsequently the ophthalmologist will carry out a comprehensive eye examination in order to locate the site of the injury and to assess the severity of the damage caused. It is important to be sure to attend follow-up examinations if they are required, in order to rule out the development of complications and to monitor proper healing of the eye.

Possible complications may include perforation of the cornea – meaning damage to the full thickness of the cornea, which is a transparent, dome-shaped layer on the surface of the eye. In milder cases a corneal ulcer may form, which is superficial damage that affects part of the layers of the cornea but does not penetrate it. A further complication that may form some time after the burn is a cataract, and in addition patients can suffer from glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve), damage to the retina of the eye and even loss of vision in severe cases.

Can a chemical burn in the eye be prevented?

The risk of a burn in the eye can be considerably reduced by adhering to safety rules – adhering to protective goggles, working with dangerous substances only if qualified to do so, and keeping dangerous substances out of the reach of children.

If the eye has been exposed to a chemical substance the most important thing is to limit the damage by quick and thorough rinsing of the eye with water. Good rinsing includes a strong stream of clean water, and afterwards it is important to turn quickly for a doctor's examination.

The treatment of a chemical burn varies according to the damaging substance and the severity of the injury but will probably include pain relief, local antibiotics to prevent infection, tear substitutes to lubricate the eye and so that the eyelid does not harm the process of healing of the cornea, and anti-inflammatories. In severe cases hospitalisation and intensive treatment are required, along with monitoring to identify complications at an early stage.