Protective eyewear can reduce the severity and incidence of eye injuries at home and work. Credit: Getty Images
A study in India reveals that alkalis, including edible lime used with betel leaf, and acid are the most common causes of acute ocular burns or severe eye tissue injuries in children and adults1.
Slaked lime (chuna), superglue, firecrackers, toilet cleaners, insecticides and battery acids are chemical sources of eye injuries. Children get these injuries at home, while most adults have workplace injuries.
Scientists examined the injuries of 271 children and 1,300 adults who received treatment at two eye care centres in Hyderabad and Bengaluru between 2016 and 2020.
The team, which included researchers at the L V Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad, found that alkali damaged the eyes of 45% of the children and 36% of the adults. Acids caused 12% of cases in children and 24% in adults. Edible lime and superglue-induced injuries were higher in children.
Superficial skin burns and accumulation of abnormal fluid in eyelids were common symptoms in both groups. Lime or firecracker residues trapped under the eyelid and conjunctival foreign bodies were more prevalent in children than adults.
For severe injuries, 26% of children and 11% of adults had one or more eye surgeries. Children had more surgeries than adults for injuries that caused long-term eye illness.
The researchers say that rinsing the eye with tap water immediately after an injury and using protective eyewear can reduce the severity and incidence of eye injuries at home and work.
