Ocular acid burn due to 20% concentrated salicylic acid

This is a case report of severe conjunctival and corneal epithelial defects resulting from accidental exposure to salicylic acid that was mistakenly used instead of artificial tears (eye drops). The patient was treated with tobramycin 0.3%-dexamethasone 1% 3 times a day, cyclopentolate 1% twice a day, and artificial tears 6 times a day and underwent daily examinations until the corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects resolved. The corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects slowly resolved over 14 days. Visual acuity improved to its preinjury level of 20/40 in the affected eye. No residual corneal scarring was evident. Slowly resolving corneal and conjunctival epithelial defects can occur from direct contact with salicylic acid; therefore, this medication should be packaged and labeled differently from eye drops.