Ocular Exposures Reported to Poison Control Centers From 2011 to 2015

To identify and characterize the ocular exposures reported to poison control centers over a 5-year period from 2011 to 2015 in the United States.

Pooled cross-sectional study.

Callers to poison control centers.

We retrospectively analyzed data from 477 274 calls for ocular exposure to the National Poison Data System. Major medical outcomes, reason for exposure, location of exposure, and causative xenobiotic were evaluated.

A mean volume of 95 454 calls per year were reported to poison control centers, with most exposures occurring unintentionally, at home, and predominantly in children under 5 years of age. Most serious adult exposures occurred at work owing to alkali exposures. There was an increasing incidence in exposures in those over 64 years old. The most common treatment provided was irrigation and wash for the affected eye.

Children under 5 are most susceptible; they may have permanent disability owing to laundry detergent exposure; and concerted intervention is needed in this age group. Many serious adult exposures occurred at work owing to alkali exposures.