Chemical injury to the eye

✍ Scribed by Donald E. Clark

• Book ID: 104376206
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2002
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 87 KB
• Volume: 9
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1074-9098
• DOI: 10.1016/s1074-9098(01)00308-2

✦ Synopsis

Chemical injury to the eye

Accidental splashing or squirting of a chemical substance into the eyes is probably the most common cause of toxic eye injuries in the laboratory. 1±3 Eyes are intensely sensitive and delicate organs that can be injured by many types of chemical agents. Chemical eye injuries that appear minor can rapidly become serious if not treated instantly. Chemical exposure can cause severe ocular damage quickly and must always be treated as a medical emergency. 2,4 This addresses accidental exposure to the eye by the types of chemicals commonly found in laboratories. The mechanism by which damage is incurred and the rationale for first aid treatment are addressed. Injuries from physical factors, radiation or infectious agents, are beyond the scope of this presentation. First aid or emergency response, but not clinical or medical procedures are included. References that provide in-depth information on the toxicology and treatment of specific chemical agents are provided. 1±3,