[Cyanoacrylate injuries of the eye]

Cyanoacrylates are contained in nail glues, instant glues, and tissue adhesives such as Histoacryl. Cyanoacrylates may inadvertently contaminate the conjunctival sac and cause massive loss of visual function and serious discomfort to the patient.

Over a 10-year period five patients with a cyanoacrylate lesion of the ocular surface have been observed. Four were injured by instant glue and one by Histoacryl. Therapy included moderate rinsing. In the most severely affected patient parts of the glue were removed mechanically; spontaneous rejection of the glue was awaited in the other four. After the glue had been rejected, four patients showed corneal erosion which healed without problems. Visual function returned to normal in all patients, and there was no persistent tissue damage.

Cyanoacrylates exert no substantial thermal, chemical, or toxic effects on the ocular surface when inadvertently entering the conjunctival sac. Cyanoacrylate trauma therefore has a very favorable prognosis. The conservative approach of awaiting spontaneous glue rejection is appropriate.