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Pediatric Ocular Injury Due to Hand Sanitizer Exposure: An Emerging Hazard

Lauren M Wasser1, Jordanna H Koppel2, David Zadok1

  • 1From the Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem.

Pediatric Emergency Care
|June 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) exposure caused childhood ocular injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prompt treatment ensured good visual outcomes, but safe storage is crucial.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic led to increased use of alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR).
  • Ocular exposure to ABHR can cause chemical injuries in children.
  • Understanding the incidence and severity of these injuries is crucial for prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the incidence and severity of ocular exposure to alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) in children during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
  • To compare ocular injury rates from ABHR between the pandemic period and the preceding year.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, single-center observational study.
  • Included children 10 years or younger with ABHR-induced ocular injury.
  • Compared data from February 21, 2020, to October 11, 2020, with the same period in 2019.

Main Results:

  • Nine pediatric patients presented with ABHR-induced ocular injuries during the study period.
  • Three patients required hospitalization for severe epithelial defects, with complete resolution in 12-19 days.
  • No long-term irreversible damage or vision loss was observed with prompt treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Increased alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) use during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic resulted in childhood ocular injuries.
  • Prompt irrigation, topical medications, and lubrication led to favorable visual outcomes.
  • Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) should be considered potentially toxic and stored safely away from children.
Abstract

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