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Emergency: requires immediate attention
Ocular alkali burn - External and Internal Eye
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Emergency: requires immediate attention

Ocular alkali burn - External and Internal Eye

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Contributors: Lauren Patty Daskivich MD, MSHS, Brandon D. Ayres MD, Christopher Rapuano MD, Sunir J. Garg MD
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Synopsis

Ocular alkali burn : Eye pain, Blurred vision, Symblepharon, Conjunctival injection, Excessive tearing, Caustic alkali exposure
Exposure of the cornea and conjunctiva to alkaline material can be a devastating ocular injury. Some of the more common materials causing alkali injuries are bleach, cleaning agents, and cement. The damage from this chemical injury is so severe because alkaline agents are lipophilic, so the cornea is not able to prevent them from gaining access to the anterior chamber.

Patients with chemical injuries to the eye are often in severe pain and unable to open the affected eye(s). There will also be excessive tearing in the affected eye(s). Chemical injuries are most commonly seen in young men (often not using adequate eye protection) or in those frequently using / exposed to cleaning agents. It is essential to initiate treatment for alkaline chemical injuries as soon as possible to minimize damage.

Related topic: Ocular acid burn

Codes

ICD10CM:
T26.10XA – Burn of cornea and conjunctival sac, unspecified eye, initial encounter

SNOMEDCT:
38916004 – Alkaline chemical burn of cornea AND/OR conjunctival sac

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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

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Therapy

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References

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Last Reviewed:07/29/2019
Last Updated:07/30/2019
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Emergency: requires immediate attention
Ocular alkali burn - External and Internal Eye
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