Ocular changes after accidental exposure to distilled water

Abstract

We report ocular changes following accidental injection of distilled water into the anterior chamber during cataract surgery. We have documented eight eyes that had an accidental distilled water exposure in the anterior chamber following which they developed corneal edema, raised intraocular pressure (IOP), and pigment dispersion into the anterior chamber. We treated all the patients with topical steriods and sodium chloride 5% solution and anti-glaucoma medications as required. All of them had pigment dispersion and deposition into the anterior chamber and onto the corneal endothelium and the intraocular lens surface. All the patients had resolution of edema and good vision postoperatively after a month. Thus, patients who were exposed to accidental injection of distilled water into the anterior chamber during cataract surgery had a toxic reaction in the postoperative period. However, the corneal transparency was restored completely without complications with adequate treatment. A strict protocol must be followed by the OT staff and the members at various stages of surgery to prevent such mishaps from happening.