Splash injury, ocular

Josset et al. [4] found that there were approximately 7,000 serious chemical splash injuries in France per year, with about half of these cases involving the eyes [4]. Chemical eye splashes made up about 9.9% of ocular trauma in the USA and 7.2% in a UK casualty department however, most were with rather innocuous substances such as hairsprays and shampoos [5]. Acid and base eye bums were 1.6% and 0.6%, respectively, of total eye injuries [5]. 

Cartotto et al. [34] reported a series of patients treated at the bum center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada [34], Of the total 24 chemical bum cases, there were 8 chemical eye splashes. Five of these eight patients were decontaminated at the scene (presumably with water). The three chemical eye splash patients who did not receive immediate decontamination developed severe ocular injuries. However, three of the five who had immediate decontamination developed comeal erosions and one patient with eye exposure to black liquor developed a very deep comeal erosion leading to blindness [34]. 

The book concludes with a section prepared by a chemist/physicist who conceived the innovative possibility of an active decontamination solution for ocular chemical splashes and an emergency physician who discuss specific decontamination measures and the emergent care of patients with ocular chemical bum injuries. 

This work will prove useful for medical students, physicians-in-training, occupational medicine physicians and nurses, and private practice or hospital-based ophthalmologists, as well as for occupational health and safety personnel who deal with prevention and first aid measures for ocular chemical splashes, and who wish to supplement or update their understanding of ocular chemical bum injuries. 

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