The Systemic Effects Associated With Chemical Eye Injuries From Excoecaria Agallocha Latex In The Workplace: A Retrospective Study

The study aimed to assess the impact of latex injuries on ocular health, identify common systemic comorbidities, and evaluate the correlation between ocular and systemic conditions.

secondary eye care hospital in Southern India

This retrospective observational study analysed clinical data from patients with chemical eye injuries from the sap of Excoecaria agallocha. 

Patient records with chemical eye injuries were reviewed. Key variables included visual acuity (VA), non-contact tonometry (NCT) readings, Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency (LSCD) scores using Dua classification. Systemic health data, including hypertension and diabetes status, were also collected.

11 patients met with chemical injury to the eye in their workplace. Visual acuity decreased in four (63.6%) cases. None of the patients had increased intraocular pressure. LSCD scores showed mild to moderate stem cell deficiency. Hypertension was present in three (27.2%) cases, and two cases (18.1.%) had hematuria. Six patients (54.5%) had blisters in different parts of the body and one patient developed angioedema. Corneal lesions of all the patients resolved.

Chemical injuries to the eye, while primarily affecting ocular health, can also cause systemic effects. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms of systemic effects in chemical injury patients.