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Hydrofluoric Acid Burns of the Eye

Author: McCulley JP, Whiting DW, Petitt MG, Lauber SE.

Journal: J Occup Med. 1983 Jun;25(6):447-50.

Abstract: A case of hydrofluoric acid (HF) burns of the eye is reported and a review is presented of our investigation into the mechanism of HF toxicity in ocular tissues. A number of therapeutic procedures that have been successful in the treatment of HF skin burns were studied in the rabbit for use in the eye. Immediate single irrigation with water, normal saline or isotonic magnesium chloride solution is the most effective therapy for ocular HF burns. Extrapolation of other skin burn treatments to use in the eye is unacceptable due to the toxicity of these agents in normal eyes and the additive damage caused in burned eyes.

While working at Bethlehem Steel, I had many opportunities to use the Morgan Lens.  The employees frequently splashed solutions into their eyes.  The Morgan Lens helped us irrigate their eyes promptly and efficiently.  We could seat belt the employee/patient into the van, check his eyes, pop in the Morgan Lens, hook up the I.V. bag.  While transporting him to the dispensary, his eyes were being irrigated.  Prompt irrigation with the Morgan Lens in route to the dispensary helps prevent eye damage.

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MorTan Inc.

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Why Use The Morgan Lens?

The Morgan Lens is used in 90% of hospital emergency departments in the USA and can be inserted in less than 20 seconds. There simply is no other "hands-free" method of eye irrigation. Nothing else frees medical personnel to treat other injuries or to transport the patient while irrigation is underway. Nothing is more effective at treating ocular chemical, thermal, and actinic burns or removing non-embedded foreign bodies, even when the patient's eyes are closed tightly. Its design makes it simple and straightforward to use so minimal training is required.