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Chemical Eye Burns

Chemical Eye Burn Overview

Chemical exposure to any part of the eye or eyelid may result in a chemical eye burn. Chemical burns represent 7-10% of eye injuries. About 15-20% of burns to the face involve at least one eye. Although many burns result in only minor discomfort, every chemical exposure or burn should be taken seriously. Permanent damage is possible and can be blinding and life-altering.

The severity of a burn depends on what substance caused it, how long the substance had contact with the eye, and how the injury is treated. Damage is usually limited to the front segment of the eye, including the cornea, (the clear front surface of the eye responsible for good vision, which is most frequently affected), the conjunctiva (the layer covering the white part of the eye), and occasionally the internal eye structures of the eye, including the lens. Burns that penetrate deeper than the cornea are the most severe, often causing cataracts and glaucoma



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Chemical Eye Burns

Eye Pain »

Eye Pain Overview

Eye pain is often described as burning, sharp, dull, gritty, a feeling of "something in my eye," aching, throbbing, or stabbing. Sometimes eye pain is confused with symptoms, such as a headache or sinus pain.

Eye pain is a common reason for people to seek medical care from their doctor (or an ophthalmologist, a specialist who deals only with eyes).

Eye Pain Causes

Causes of eye pain fall into two broad categories: ocular pain and orbital pain.

  • Ocular pain is eye pain coming from the outer structures of the surface of the eye.
    • Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye problems. Conjunctivitis can be an allergic, bacterial, chemical, or viral inflammation of the conjunctiva (the delicate membrane lining the eyelid and covering the eyeball). Pinkeye is a nonmedical term usually referring to a viral conjunctivitis, because the conjunctiva gets inflamed and turns a pinkish color. Pain...

Read the Eye Pain article »



Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Burns, Ocular »

Burns to the sclera, conjunctiva, cornea, and eyelid are considered ocular burns.

Read More on eMedicine »

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