The initial management of ocular chemical burns in an academic hospital

Abstract

Study aim: to assess the role of pH measurement and the need for neutralising agents (Diphoterine®) in the initial management of chemical burns in an academic hospital Method: prospective, interventional study Results: The conjunctival pH of 18 eyes was checked and 5 eyes with an abnormal pH required irrigation with Diphoterine®. The pH using urine dipstick was equivalent to universal indicator paper. Most of the patients were young males who had been involved in domestic or occupational accidents. The majority of patients presented with mild (Grade 1) burns and had a delayed presentation to hospital Conclusion: Neutralising agents are a first aid rinsing solution and most effective immediately after injury. The use of urine dipsticks to measure the conjunctival pH of patients with chemical burns can assist in identifying patients who require irrigation and was equivalent to universal indicator paper. Of the eyes irrigated, Diphoterine® was effective in neutralising the conjunctival pH 80% of eyes.