Ophthalmologica

Original Paper

Alkali Burns of the Eye: Effect of Immediate Copious Irrigation with Tap Water on Their Severity

Ikeda N.a · Hayasaka S.a, b · Hayasaka Y.b · Watanabe K.c

Author affiliations

aDivision of Ophthalmology, Itoigawa General Hospital, Niigata; bDepartment of Ophthalmology, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University and cDivision of Ophthalmology, Asahi General Hospital, Toyama, Japan

Keywords: Alkali burnImmediate irrigationOcular injury

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Ophthalmologica 2006;220:225–228
https://doi.org/10.1159/000093075

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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Received: June 03, 2005
Published online: June 21, 2006
Issue release date: June 2006

Number of Print Pages: 4
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 2

ISSN: 0030-3755 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0267 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/OPH

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the effect of immediate irrigation on ocular alkali burn. Methods: Information on the injury, immediate irrigation, and ocular findings was retrospectively obtained from each patient’s record. Results: 36 patients (49 eyes) irrigated their eyes with tap water (the irrigation group) and 17 patients (29 eyes) did not (no irrigation group). The mean age of patients in the irrigation and no irrigation groups was 30 and 53 years, respectively. According to Hugher’s classification, 76% of eyes in the irrigation group had grade 1 injury, while 86% of eyes in the no irrigation group had grade 2 injuries. Mean time from the injury until healing was 8 days in the irrigation group and 29 days in the no irrigation group, respectively. Conclusion: Immediate copious irrigation with tap water reduced the severity in alkali burns of the eye and shortened the healing time.

© 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel



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References

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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Received: June 03, 2005
Published online: June 21, 2006
Issue release date: June 2006

Number of Print Pages: 4
Number of Figures: 0
Number of Tables: 2

ISSN: 0030-3755 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0267 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/OPH

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Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
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2006, Vol.220, No. 4

June 2006

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