Current status of emergency treatment of chemical eye burns in workplaces

Abstract

Chemical eye burns present an avoidable, but frequent, occupational injury with potentially detrimental consequences for the quality of life and occupational rehabilitation of the injured. A periodical review of guidelines is required to assure the optimal emergency management. We reviewed the literature with emphasis on current German guidelines, primarily MEDLINE. If the crucial first-line measure, the injury prevention has failed and an eye burn has been sustained, the immediate and copious rinsing of the eye is the pivotal emergency treatment modality. Whereas the immediacy and sufficiency of the emergency rinsing are largely unanimous, there is an ongoing debate about the benefits and risks of specific rinsing solutions, and regular updates on guidelines and recommendations for the emergency treatment are warranted. The easiest and readily available rinsing solution is tap water, which fulfils the crucial criteria conveniently in most industrialized countries: purity, sterility, and neutral pH. Other rinsing solutions are proposing higher osmolality to stabilize the physiological pH, because of their superior buffering capacity. However, there is no compelling evidence for a substantial benefit, and some reports suggest that there could be unwanted side effects. In combination with the substantially increased expenditure and a more complex handling procedure, currently a general recommendation of any other solution than tap water is not warranted.

Epidemiological features and management of eye burn patients in Wuxi, China

“…Except for locations using tap water, all employees should be provided with eye flushing equipment and instruction on how to use them. 17 According to the findings of the Parmar’s study, 70% of patients experienced injuries at or near their homes, prompting us to pay closer attention to heat (flames, fireworks and hot liquids), electricity and microwave meals. 18 According to the findings of this study, alkali is the most common chemical burn material, followed by acid.…”

Pharmacological Inhibition of Glutaminase 1 Attenuates Alkali-Induced Corneal Neovascularization by Modulating Macrophages

“…Chemical burns remain an important cause of corneal damage and potentially lead to visual impairment or loss due to tissue destruction and neovascularization formation [ 30 , 31 ]. The inflammatory cell response plays a crucial role in chemical burn-induced corneal damage.…”

Toxic External Exposure Leading to Ocular Surface Injury

“…Particles in the eye and chemical eye burns require immediate flushing and therefore access to water or other rinsing solutions in the workplace is essential [ 195 ]. Most occupational eye injuries are potentially preventable [ 196 ].…”