Clinical profile & visual outcome in ocular chemical injury

Objective: To study the clinical profile & visual outcome of ocular chemical injuries. Material & Method: The cases of ocular chemical injury were included in the study. Detailed history of the patients was taken pertaining to the injury. The ocular examination was performed visual acuity was recorded by using Snellen’s test type Chart. A thorough examination was carried out on slit-lamp, direct & indirect ophthalmoscope. Clinical grading was done by Roper Hall Classification. Other ocular investigations were done when required. Results: The present study included 64 eyes of 54 patients, of which 80% (43) were male and 20% (11) females. The mean age was 22 ±13 yrs. higher prevalence 66% of chemical ocular injury was seen in lower socioeconomic group. Alkali injuries (66%) were more common than acid injuries (34%). Calcium carbonate (lime) 31% was the most common etiological agent. Most chemical injuries were unilateral 81% Maximum no. of patients belongs to grade I (48%) and minimum in grade IV (8%). In grade I chemical injury, most patients were presented with visual acuity better than 6/12. The final visual acuity is dependent on the initial grading and vision, higher the grade lesser are the chances of significant visual improvement. Conclusion: Presenting visual acuity is an important prognostic factor. Lower grades of injury had better final visual outcome. Grade III and grade IV alkali injuries are more severe injuries than acids.