Chemical Injuries of the Ocular Surface
Various chemical substances coming into contact with the eye surface can cause tissue damage of varying degrees depending on the type of substance and the duration of exposure. Depending on the type of substance, the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye, can suffer from mild to severe damages, and the cornea, the transparent layer, can sustain permanent injuries. In some cases, intense adhesions can develop in the lid conjunctiva. The most crucial step for patients before reaching a doctor to minimize exposure duration is to rinse the eyes with plenty of clean water immediately after contact with the chemical. Following necessary evaluations by eye doctors, sometimes medical drugs are sufficient for treatment, but surgical intervention may be required depending on the location and extent of the damage.
