Acute ocular chemical injury: a descriptive assessment and management review at St. John Eye Hospital, Jerusalem, Palestine

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the study was to assess caregivers’ compliance with the management protocol for chemical injury at St. John Eye Hospital, Jerusalem. Material and methods: Charts of all new chemical injury patients who presented to St. John Eye Hospital, Jerusalem, between January and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Data categories collected included: presentation, age, sex, injury, irrigation, lids, visual acuity, slit-lamp examination (SLE), management plan, and medications given. Data were stored and analysed using Excel. Results: Patients’ presentation date and time, sex, and age were recorded in over 90% of cases. The mechanism of injury and type of offending chemical were recorded in 65% of cases. The irrigating solution was identified in 50% of cases. Corrected visual acuity was recorded in both eyes in almost 50% of cases. Limbal ischemia was documented in 45% of cases, and intraocular pressure (IOP) was recorded in 25%. The management plan and explanation of the condition to patients were documented in less than 50% of cases. Antibiotics and steroids (drops/ointment) were prescribed in 92.5% of cases. Conclusions: The results of this study reveal that our documentation needs improvement for several parameters. Several recommendations were formulated: Emphasize to caregivers that irrigation must be done first. Corrected visual acuity should be attempted for both eyes in all cases, and reasons for not recording it should be documented. It is important to document and record limbus details, iris details, and IOP in all cases.