Retrospective Case Series Ocular Exposure Referrals to a Poisons Centre

Ocular poisoning exposures are common, but there is limited research describing the Australian experience. This series aims to characterise the epidemiology and management of ocular exposures reported to a state poisons information centre.

This is a retrospective observational series of ocular exposure cases reported to the Queensland Poison Information Centre between 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2023. Data abstracted included patient demographics, poison exposure details, ocular symptomatology, poisoning severity, and management advice.

There were 769 ocular exposures over the study period. Adults aged 20-74 years were the primary group exposed, comprising 406 (52.8%) of cases reported. Exposures were mostly unintentional (763 [99.2%] cases) and most commonly involved exposure to alkalis (123 [16.0%]). Most exposures were symptomatic (606 [78.8%]) and of minor severity (590 [76.7%]). Referral for medical review was advised in 361 (46.9%) cases with only 15 (2%) cases being of moderate severity, most following alkali exposures.

Most ocular exposures reported to the poison centre were accidental and of minor severity. Severe injuries were rare and occurred following alkali exposures.