The epidemiology of chemical eye exposures reported to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre

We aimed to determine the epidemiology of chemical eye exposures reported to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Australia.

This was a prospective case series comprising consecutive calls to the Victorian Poisons Information Centre that related to chemical eye exposures (January 2009-2010). Data included patient demographics, place and cause of exposure, nature of the chemical, symptoms and advice given. Patients were telephoned 48 h later to determine the outcome and whether the advice had been taken.

One thousand four hundred and eighty patients were enroled (45.7%, aged <16 years) with 937 (63.3%) followed up. Cleaning agents (32.6%), topical personal products (25.4%), industrial agents (11.8%), herbicides/pesticides (5.7%), petroleum products (4.2%) and miscellaneous agents (20.3%) comprised the exposure groups. Men were exposed to significantly more industrial agents (74.8 vs. 25.2%) and fewer topical personal agents (31.3 vs. 68.7%) than women, (P<0.001). Children were exposed to significantly more topical personal agents (65.2 vs. 34.8%) and fewer industrial agents (28.7 vs. 71.3%) than adults (P<0.001). The median time between exposure and the call for advice was significantly shorter for children (P<0.001). Eight hundred and ten (54.7%) patients were advised that medical care was not required. The remainder were advised to seek care or were already receiving care. At follow-up, only 63 (6.7%) patients were symptomatic. Eight hundred and fifty patients (90.8%) had complied with the advice given. There were no compliance differences between men/women and children/adults (P>0.05).

Most exposures are of little consequence. However, there are clear epidemiological differences between sex and age groups. These findings will help inform prevention strategies.