An accidental ocular alkali injury-a case report on effective management and successful outcome

Abstract

Ocular surface burns require timely interventions to prevent any blinding sequelae. We report a case of an accidental alkali injury successfully managed in terms of eye integrity and visual rehabilitation. A 28years-old male factory worker presented to the emergency eye care department with accidental spill of caustic soda in left eye before two hours. On presentation, patient was managed with an immediate eye irrigation. Ocular examination revealed LE Dua’s grade IV injury and visual acuity of counting fingers at 3 meters. Patient was managed with medical treatment and amniotic membrane transplant with tenonplasty for delayed epithelization due to limbal ischemia. Complete ocular surface epithelization was achieved with visual acuity improvement to 6/6 with glasses in LE. Ocular surface burns with alkali agents can cause severe damage to an eye. Immediate eye wash and appropriate medical therapy with timely surgical interventions can prevent blinding sequelae and reduce ocular surface co-morbidities. Keywords: Ocular surface burns, alkali injury, amniotic membrane transplant, tenonplasty