Chemical Eye Burns

• Chemical Eye Burn Overview
• Chemical Eye Burn Causes
• Chemical Eye Burn Symptoms
• Chemical Eye Burn Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Medical Treatment in the Emergency Room
• Medications After You Go Home
• Surgery
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Questions to Ask the Doctor
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

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