Author: Lusk PG
Journal: AAOHN J 1999 Feb;47(2):80-7; quiz 88-9
Abstract:
The majority of ocular burns are related to accidents at work. Acute ocular chemical injuries require immediate recognition and management.
Copious irrigation of the eye, done immediately at the scene, is the most important factor in the long-term prognosis of ocular chemical bums.
After irrigation has been completed and the eyes have been allowed to rest, visual acuity can be tested and referrals can be made to health care facilities and an ophthalmologist.
The nurse conducts health hazard assessments of the workplace, provides information about workplace chemicals and their risks, and ensures proper safety protective equipment and emergency supplies. Practicing emergency procedures such as irrigation is important.
The nurse monitors and analyzes injury exposure episodes and trends, along with coordinating referrals, treatments, and follow-up care for workers with ocular chemical burns.
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Three Army soldiers were on their way to us following an explosion of an improvised device. The driver had goggles on and suffered extensive facial trauma and all three had eye injuries from the debris that hit them. We got bilateral Morgan Lenses in all three and flushed each with several liters of LR. Followed with antibiotics, they were rebandaged and on an emergency air evacuation that evening. These men were grateful for the care they received. The technicians and physicians here are thankful that everyone knew what to do to get the lens system set up and running. I am grateful to you for the opportunity to access the class online and ability to present it shortly after we arrived. One of the others did have a corneal laceration that we could assess after flushing. We feel confident that all will have the best outcomes thanks to the Morgan Lens use.
We also had a patient who experienced an electrical explosion (a generator) to his face. We used Morgan Lenses to irrigate his eyes and sent him on an air evacuation flight to Germany. He has since returned to duty and is doing well with minimal residual sight loss.
Military Registered Nurse (Active Duty)
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.