Airbag-induced chemical eye injury

Abstract

Chemical injuries of the eye are a rare complication of airbag deployment and result from seepage of the chemical, causing inflation through vents in the airbag. We describe a severe case of bilateral alkali eye injury upon airbag contact in a road traffic accident. Delayed recognition and irrigation of the eyes exacerbated the injury with a resultant poor healing response of the left eye. Consequently, a left amniotic membrane graft was performed to promote corneal epithelial healing. The use of an amniotic membrane graft in the acute period after a chemical keratitis is unusual and reflects the severity of the corneal injuries sustained by this patient. This case illustrates the vision-threatening risk of alkali keratitis secondary to airbag deployment and highlights the importance of early recognition and management.