Clinical Characteristics And Severity Distribution Of Ocular Chemical Burn In A Tertiary Referral Hospital Of Korea

Ocular chemical burn is a critical emergency, requiring prompt diagnosis and intervention. With increased awareness of the public and protective equipment availability in workplaces, management may have improved compared to the past. To address this concern, we examined the clinical manifestations and outcomes of patients with ocular chemical burn over ten years.

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 216 patients who visited Gachon University Gil hospital from January 2013 to June 2023. 

Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, causative agents (properties, pH values), initial and final ocular findings including visual acuities and intraocular pressures were investigated. The severity of the chemical burns was assessed by reviewing the anterior segment photographs from the patients’ initial visits and graded using the Roper-Hall and Dua classification scales.

Among the 216 patients (136 males, 80 females, average age: 41.88 ± 14.99), 77 (35.6%) had acidic substance-related burns, and 79 (36.6%) had alkali substance-related burns. The incidence of chemical burns increased over 10 years, with the majority occurring in patients aged 27 to 56 years. Domestic households accounted for 47.9% of cases, while workplace settings accounted for 44.2%. Surgery was performed in 2 out of 216 patients (0.9%).

Ocular chemical injuries often lead to blindness, disfigurement, and severe ocular surface complications. Early and accurate treatment is crucial to minimize sequelae. Despite societal changes and medical advances, ocular chemical injuries still occur due to various substances and situations. To ensure safety, workplaces must create safer environments, provide suitable protective equipment, and offer comprehensive safety training to high-risk personnel. Healthcare providers should promptly provide initial assistance and accurate treatment based on the severity of the condition in emergency rooms.