A chemical eye burn occurs when irritant, acidic, or alkaline substances contact the ocular surface and damage the cornea and conjunctiva. Alkali burns are particularly dangerous because they penetrate tissues rapidly.
Immediate Effects
Patients experience sudden pain, redness, watering, light sensitivity, and blurred vision; severe burns can whiten the conjunctiva and cornea, indicating deeper injury.
- Common household sources include cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, and cement.
- Industrial accidents may involve strong alkalis, acids, or solvents.
- Severity depends on chemical type, concentration, volume, and contact time.
- Prompt irrigation is the single most important first aid step.
Treatment and Risks
Urgent, copious irrigation with water or saline followed by emergency ophthalmic assessment is essential to limit damage and preserve sight.
- Ongoing care may include topical antibiotics, steroids, lubricants, and sometimes amniotic membrane grafts or limbal stem cell transplantation.
- Complications include corneal scarring, limbal stem cell failure, glaucoma, and dry eye.
- Protective eyewear in high‑risk settings greatly reduces the chance of chemical burns.
- Long‑term follow‑up is often required because surface problems and scarring can evolve over months.
