Contact thermal burns of the cornea from electric curling irons

We treated four patients with corneal burns resulting from mishaps while using electric curling irons. In all cases, the burns were symptomatic with blurred vision, tearing, pain, and photophobia. Injury was limited to the corneal epithelium, and management included debridement, topical antibiotics, cycloplegia, and pressure patching. Burns resolved completely within 48 hours after debridement and patching.