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More than Meets the Eye: A 12-Year Look into Acute Ocular Burn Management at a Single Institution
Hilary Y. Liu, BS; Benjamin B. Scott, MD; Jos� Antonio Arellano, MD; Christopher J. Fedor, MS; Mare G. Kaulakis, BS; Garth A. Elias, MD; Alain C. Corcos, MD, FACS; Jenny A. Ziembicki, MD; Francesco M. Egro, MD, MSc, MRCS
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
2025-01-09
Presenter: Hilary Y Liu, BS
Affidavit:
I agree
Director Name: Vu T Nguyen
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Craniomaxillofacial
Background: Ocular burns can lead to severe vision impairment or blindness. Ocular burns lacks a definitive treatment algorithm. This study reviews the management and complication rates of ocular burns at a single institution.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study analyzed patients with ocular burns treated at a single burn center from 2012 to 2023. Demographics, injury characteristics, treatments, operations, and complications were collected.
Results: 50 patients with 81 ocular burns were treated (84% male, mean age 39.4-20.4 years). Thermal injuries accounted for most burn etiologies (78%; n=39), followed by chemical (20%; n=10) and electrical (2%; n=1). The average total body surface area (TBSA) affected was 19.9-22.5%. Corneal injuries, primarily abrasions, occurred in 50% (n=25) of cases, and 12% (n=6) involved the eyelids. The most common immediate treatment was eye irrigation (36%; n=18), especially for chemical burns. 84% (n=42) of patients received erythromycin ointment, 40% (n=20) antibiotic eye drops, 24% (n=12) mydriatic eye drops, 18% (n=9) prednisolone eye drops, and 12% (n=6) ketorolac eye drops. Complications included two cases of vision loss. One patient required a corneal transplant. Another developed acute traumatic cataracts and underwent cataract surgery. One case of entropion required two surgeries. There were two deaths due to burn-related complications.
Conclusion: Chemical burns represent a significant portion of ocular burn cases, with irrigation serving as a primary treatment. While antibiotic therapy is generally effective, severe burns may necessitate future ophthalmic or oculoplastic procedures due to potential complications like eyelid contractures.
