EPIDEMIOLOGY OF OCULAR CHEMICAL INJURIES

Abstract

Background: Chemical injuries of the eye may produce extensive damage to the ocular surface epithelium, cornea and anterior segment resulting in permanent unilateral or bilateral
visual impairment. In addition to causing ocular surface injury, alkalis readily penetrate into
the eye, damaging the corneal stroma and endothelium as well as other anterior segment
structures such as iris, lens and ciliary body.
Objective: To study the epidemiology Of Ocular Chemical Injuries.
Methods: This prospective study was conducted among all patients who will presented with
ocular chemical injuries to Government Rajaji Hospital between the period October 2012 to
November 2013.
Result: The mean age of the patient who sustained ocular chemical injuries was 29.05 years.
Most of the people who sustained ocular chemical injuries are domestic workers (22.5%) and
students (22.5%). Urban people (65%) are prone for chemical eye injuries. Semi urban people
(31.7%) and rural people (3.3%) form the minority group in this study. Most literates (76.7%)
[College education-36.7%, school education-40%]are prone for chemical injuries. The Right
eye was relatively more commonly affected (50%) than the lefteye (30%). In our study, there
were 12 cases with bilateral injury (20%). Most of the ocular chemical injuries are accidental
(61.7%), work place (21.7%) eye injuries come under second category in our study.
Conclusion: Most chemical eye burns are mild injuries with no lasting adverse effects.
Immediate irrigation of the eye is the most important part of treatment. Prophylactic efforts
should be increased in order to bring down the incidence of burns. Injuries caused by assault
were more severe and people proportionately lost more eyes.