Indocyanine green angiographic features in a case of alkali retinopathy

To report the fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographic features of a patient who developed posterior segment complications after an ocular alkali burn.

Clinical examination, fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography were performed on a patient with an ocular alkali injury.

Clinical examination revealed an area of conjunctival and scleral necrosis in the injured eye. There was an area of retinal necrosis, which corresponded to the area of external necrosis. Fluorescein angiography demonstrated late leakage and obliteration of the retinal vessels in the area of necrosis. There was nonperfusion of the choroid with a surrounding rim of late indocyanine green leakage.

Alkaline substances can penetrate sclera. Ocular alkali burns can result in choroidal ischemia and retinal necrosis. It is important to suspect posterior segment complications in all ocular alkali injuries. This case emphasizes the necessity of prompt irrigation of the conjunctival cul de sac and the removal of any solid chemical remnants after ocular alkali injuries.