What is chemical trauma of the eye?

A variety of chemicals can damage the eye if they come into accidental or deliberate contact with the eye. These include alkalis, acids, detergents, solvents, certain contact lens solutions and pepper spray or tear gas. Generally, the damage is greatest with alkalis such as ammonia (found in some household cleaners) and sodium hydroxide (present in drain and oven cleaners) as these chemicals pass easily through the outer coat of the eye. Chemical injuries can occur as a result of an assault or a workplace, DIY or household accident. They can also occur in riot control situations.

How is chemical trauma of the eye managed?

It is important to flush the eye immediately with sterile salt solution, or if not available with tap water, and continue to irrigate the eye for at least 20 minutes before seeking medical attention. Contact of chemical substances with the eye can cause a serious injury if not treated quickly.

Chemical injury to the eye usually results in pain, redness and watering of the eye, all of which may be severe. It may also cause loss of vision. The task of the optometrist is to quickly judge the nature and extent of the injury and then, in all but mild cases, to flush the eye with large amounts of irrigating solution in an attempt to wash away the chemical that may have caused the injury.

After this first aid, the optometrist will arrange for the ophthalmologist (specialist eye doctor) to see the patient as soon as possible on the same day. Depending on the severity of the injury, the ophthalmologist may admit the patient to hospital for further intensive treatment.