Chemical Burns of the Eye in Children
Overview
Chemical burns happen when a
chemical gets into your child’s eye.
Causes
Chemical burns of the eye are often caused by household cleaning products. Some common
products that cause this type of injury include:
- Toilet cleaner
- Battery fluid
- Pool cleaner
- Bleach
- Vinegar
- Glass polish
Symptoms
Symptoms may be a bit different for
each child. They can include:
- Severe eye pain
- Burning of the eye
- Tearing of the eye
The symptoms of chemical burns of
the eye may look like symptoms of other eye issues or health problems. Have your child
see his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Your child’s healthcare provider will ask about your child’s health history. He or
she will also give your child an eye exam. Your child may get local numbing (anesthetic)
eye drops for the exam.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also
depend on how severe the condition is.
A chemical burn to the eye is an
emergency. You should seek medical help right away if your child gets a chemical into
his or her eye.
Most children with a chemical burn
will be treated in the emergency room. An eye healthcare provider (ophthalmologist)
will
often care for your child.
Treatment includes washing out your
child’s eye with saline right away. This is done for about 30 minutes and sometimes
longer depending on the type of chemical burn. Your child may get local numbing
(anesthetic) drops into his or her eye to help ease the pain. The eye is often held
open
with a tool to make sure the saline gets into the eye. Some children may need to be
sedated or placed under general anesthesia. Depending on the severity of the chemical
burn, your child may need multiple eye drops several times each day for weeks or even
months.
Complications
If a chemical burn of the eye isn’t treated right away, your child could have vision
loss. Your child may even lose his or her eye.
Key Points
- Chemical burns happen when a chemical
gets into your child’s eye. These burns are often caused by household cleaning
products.
- This is an emergency. You should seek
medical help right away if your child gets a chemical into his or her eye.
- Treatment includes washing your
child’s eye out with saline right away. This should be done for about 30 minutes and
sometimes longer depending on the type of chemical burn.
- Depending on the severity of the
chemical burn, your child may need multiple eye drops several times each day for
weeks or even months.
- If a chemical burn of the eye isn’t
treated right away, your child could have vision loss. Your child may even lose his
or her eye.
Next Steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
- Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments,
or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
- Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child.
Also know what the side effects are.
- Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
- Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
- If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose
for that visit.
- Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important
if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.