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Chemical Injuries to the eyes. Emergency, intermediate, and long term care

The first step in treatment of chemical injuries to the eyes is immediate, thorough, and if necessary, prolonged irrigation. Ophthalmologic consultation should be obtained early in the course of treatment, and in severe injuries an anterior chamber tap (paracentesis) may be of benefit. Topical cycloplegics and antibiotics should be administered and a “bandage” contact lens placed to protect the corneal epithelium. If the eyelid is involved, care must be taken to protect the cornea and provide a moist local environment. Long-term care of a severely injured eye is fraught with difficulties, including glaucoma and recurrent corneal ulcerations.

Author

Nelson JD, Kopietz LA.

Publication

Postgrad Med. 1987 Mar;81 (4):62-6, 69-71, 75

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My 16-month-old son received an ocular chemical burn when his 3 ½-year-old brother discovered a cleaning solution without a child-proof lid.  Both eyes were flushed at home for 3 to 5 minutes before he was taken to the ED.  Once there, Alcaine drops were instilled, Morgan Lenses inserted into both eyes and irrigation started with lactated Ringer’s.  He promptly fell asleepIf I can use it on my own child and trust it – so can anyone!

Registered Nurse (Kentucky)

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.