Burneye

Occur when exposed to high temperatures (thermal burns) or chemicals (chemical burns).

Symptoms There are 4 degrees of burns to the eyelids, conjunctiva and cornea.

For first degree burns (minor burns) - hyperemia of the eyelids and conjunctiva, superficial opacification or erosion of the cornea. Second degree burns (moderate burns) are characterized by the formation of blisters on the skin of the eyelids, superficial easily removable films on the conjunctiva, and superficial clouding of the cornea. In case of third-degree burns (severe burns), there is necrosis of the skin of the eyelids, deep, permanent films on the conjunctiva and deep opacification on the cornea, reminiscent of “frosted glass”.

IV degree burns (very severe burns) are characterized by widespread necrosis of the skin, conjunctiva and sclera and very deep opacification of the cornea, which resembles a “porcelain plate”. After rejection of the necrotic areas, the ulcerative surface is exposed, which heals with the formation of scars that shorten the mucous membrane. Opacities of varying intensity remain in the cornea.

In severe burns, adhesions form between the conjunctiva of the sclera and the eyelids (symblepharon). Burns can be complicated, moreover, by iridocyclitis, secondary glaucoma, and, if infected, by endophthalmitis.

Treatment. First aid for chemical burns to the eyes consists of copious rinsing of the conjunctival sac with water or a weak (1:5000) solution of potassium permanganate. If possible, in case of burns with alkali, it is better to rinse the damaged eye with a 2-4% solution of boric acid or 0.1% solution of acetic acid, and in case of burns with an aniline pencil - with a 3-5% solution of tannin or 5% solution of ascorbic acid. The remaining particles of the chemical substance in the conjunctival sac after drip anesthesia with a 0.25-0.5% dicaine solution are removed using a damp swab, tweezers or a needle.

If removing pieces of lime from the superficial tissues of the eye is difficult, frequent (every 30-60 minutes) instillation of EDTA into the conjunctival sac is advisable, which forms a soluble, easily washed out complex with calcium compounds. After releasing the chemical, disinfectant solutions and ointments are injected into the conjunctival cavity. They are used for thermal burns of the eyes.

Antitetanus serum according to Bezredka (1500 AE) is administered. Further treatment of the patient is carried out in a hospital. This treatment should help to maximize the preservation of the optical properties of the cornea, suppress autoimmune reactions, prevent excessive vascularization, conjunctival adhesions, iritis, iridocyclitis, secondary glaucoma and cataracts.

The prognosis for 1st and 2nd degree burns of the organ of vision is usually favorable. Third- and fourth-degree burns often lead to changes in the position of the eyelid margins, symblepharon, and corneal cataracts, which sharply reduce vision.

Prevention: eye protection at work from chemical hazards and high temperatures.