Cornea, decontamination

The experimental simulation of a chemical bum (Figs. 3.84 and 3.85) is stated on a corrosive such as some IM soda in contact for 3 min with the semipermeable membrane representing the cornea. It favorably shows the time gained, thanks to a solution that physically and chemically helps the pH of the aqueous humor to get back to the safe zone. Here, the point is not only to show the mechanical draining effect at the surface of the membrane/comea (which quickly restores the pH to a normal value), but also to show how the internal decontamination of a corrosive is important and difficult. The internal decontamination will deal with the amount of corrosive that might have already penetrated into the anterior chamber of the eye. 

The measurements of glutathione reflect the total capacity of decontamination of oxidative stress within the cornea. The glutathione system gives the outer... 

Within approximately 5 min, liquid mustard dropped into the eyes of rabbits was absorbed, had disappeared from the eye s surface, had passed through the cornea and the aqueous, and had produced hyperemia of the iris. Likewise, damage to other structures (e.g., Descemet s membrane) also occurred within a similar length of time (Mann and Pullinger, 1944). Decontamination must be performed immediately after liquid mustard contaminates the eye because absorption and ocular damage occur very rapidly after a few minutes, there will be no liquid remaining on the surface of the eye to decontaminate. 

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