Title: Incidence and Management of Chemical Injuries of Eye
Authors: Dr Bishnu Prasad Mishra, Dr Ankita Mahapatra, Dr Santosh Kumar Sahu, Dr Choubarga Naik, Dr Subha Soumya Dany
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i6.134
Abstract
Introduction: Chemical injuries to the eyes are common and represent one of the true ophthalmic emergencies. Practically any chemical (acid or alkali) can cause ocular irritation.
Usually Acid burns are less severe than that caused by alkali burn.
Purpose: To study the incidence, pattern and management of chemical injuries of eye in a tertiary health care centre of Western Odisha
Method: A Hospital based study was undertaken in department of ophthalmology at between January 2017 to December 2018, which is a period of 2 years. A total of 102 patients were included in the study after counselling; and written informed consent was also taken individually in each case. Basic demographic data and history of chemical injury was noted. Treatment needed (according to degree and severity of injury) was provided to the patients at the Department of Ophthalmology. Patients were followed up for any complications for 6 months. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics using SPSS 20.0.
Results: Out of all cases of ocular injuries; chemical injuries of eye were encountered in 13.04%of cases during the study period. Males (73.5%) were more affected and 31-40 years age group was the most vulnerable one. Most of the cases (59.8) presented with unilateral involvement of eye and 72 cases (70.59%) of chemical injury were caused by alkalis. Grade II injury (35.6%) was most common finding and some post-operative complications were also encountered during the follow-up.
Concussion: Chemical injuries to eyes maybe very few in number and minor in presentation but they also need early attention and care to minimize morbidity related to it.
Keywords: Acid, alkali, chemical injuries, complications, morbidity.
