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Chemical injury to the eye from trichloroacetic Acid
Jason F Fung1, Roberta D Sengelmann, Cynthia Z Kenneally
1Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63141, USA.
Background:
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is frequently utilized for chemical peeling by physicians practicing dermatologic surgery. Ocular complications from TCA have not been reported previously.
Objective:
The purpose of this article is to underscore the irritating and corrosive effects of TCA on the eye.
Methods:
A patient is described who experienced seepage of 35% TCA into the eye during a chemical peel.
Results:
The patient developed marked conjunctivitis of the affected eye and abrasions involving 25% of the cornea.
Conclusion:
TCA must be applied carefully around the eyes to avoid ocular complications, which albeit rare, can be quite grave if not addressed in a timely manner.
