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Ophthalmic thermal injuries
K A Lipshy1, W E Wheeler, D E Denning
1Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, USA.
The American Surgeon
|June 1, 1996
Summary
Facial burns can cause serious eye injuries, even if corneal burns are rare. Prompt evaluation by an ophthalmologist is crucial for patients with facial burns to rule out other life-threatening conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Burn Surgery
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Facial burns frequently involve ocular structures, necessitating prompt recognition and management.
- Ophthalmic injuries associated with facial burns can lead to severe visual impairment and are often linked to systemic trauma.
- Delayed or inadequate treatment of ophthalmic burns can result in catastrophic sequelae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the incidence and outcomes of ophthalmic injuries in patients with thermal facial burns.
- To highlight the association between facial burns, ophthalmic trauma, and potentially lethal systemic injuries.
- To emphasize the importance of ophthalmological evaluation in all cases of facial burns.
Main Methods:
- A 2-year retrospective survey of patients admitted to a burn unit for thermal facial burns.
- Identification and analysis of patients with associated ophthalmic injuries.
- Review of injury characteristics, treatment requirements (including intubation), and mortality rates.
Main Results:
- Out of 44 patients with facial burns, 16 (36.4%) sustained ophthalmic injuries.
- Corneal injury was present in 2 patients (12.5% of those with ophthalmic injuries).
- Intubation was required in 7 patients (43.8%) with ophthalmic injuries, and mortality was 25% (4/16).
Conclusions:
- Facial burns severe enough to cause ophthalmic injuries are often associated with other life-threatening conditions.
- A high index of suspicion for systemic injuries is warranted in patients with facial and ophthalmic burns.
- Urgent ophthalmological assessment is critical for all patients presenting with facial burns to prevent severe visual loss and identify associated injuries.