Chemical eye injury in remote and urgent care clinic settings

Chemical eye injuries are potentially sight-threatening injuries, representing 10-22% of all ocular trauma presentations. Prompt assessment and management of chemical eye injuries in general practice and urgent care clinic settings can prevent patients from losing vision.

This article presents a clinically useful guide for general practitioners to support the primary management of chemical-related eye injuries, particularly in rural and regional settings. This article will first discuss the variety of chemical eye irritants found in domestic and commercial settings. It will then describe the steps for assessment of chemical-related eye injuries, methods for irrigation and post-irrigation management.

Among chemical eye injuries occurring in rural areas, cleaning agents are the most common cause, followed by injuries from personal products, industrial agents, pesticides and herbicides, and petroleum-based products. General practitioners should conduct an initial assessment and instigate immediate management of chemical eye injuries. Advice about the pH level of substances can be obtained from the Poisons Information Centre. Chemical eye injuries coinciding with an epithelial defect or decreased vision should be reviewed by an ophthalmologist within 24 hours of the initial injury.