Get information about ocular burns, their causes, symptoms and treatment options. Protect your vision with appropriate care and timely medical assistance.

A burn in the eye, also known as ocular burn, is a condition characterized by damage to eye tissues caused by heat exposure, chemicals or radiation. If it is not promptly, it can cause significant pain, vision problems and possible lon g-term complications.

There are several causes of ocular burns, including

1. Thermal burns: They occur when the eye is exposed to high temperatures, such as hot liquids, steam or flames.
2. Chemical burns: chemical substances such as acids, alkalis or solvents can damage the surface of the eye and cause a burn.
3. Ultraviolet (UV) ray burns: excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, either from the sun or artificial sources such as welding arches, can cause burns in the eye.

The symptoms of a burn in the eye may vary depending on gravity, but usually include:

• Redness and swelling of the eye
• Ocular pain or discomfort
• Blurred or diminished vision
• Light sensitivity
• Lagimeo or tearing of the eye

When a burn occurs in the eye, a rapid and adequate treatment is crucial to minimize damage and avoid complications. The specific treatment will depend on the type and severity of the burn, and may include:

It is important to remember that any burn in the eye must be evaluated by a medical professional to determine the proper treatment and prevent possible complications.

Burn on Eye: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Causes: A burn in the eye may be due to various causes, such as exposure to corrosive chemicals, intense heat, radiation or even ultraviolet rays (UV). Chemical burns can be produced by accidental contact with domestic cleaning products, industrial chemicals or even substances used during medical procedures. Thermal burns can be produced by direct contact with hot objects, steam or even fire. In addition, excessive exposure to UV rays, as in the case of welding operations or prolonged exposure to the sun without adequate ocular protection, can cause eye burns.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is essential to seek immediate medical attention in case of ocular burn, since delaying treatment can worsen the injury and increase the risk of complications.

Symptoms: Identifying the symptoms of a burn in the eye is crucial to determine the severity of the lesion and guide proper treatment. The most common symptoms are redness, pain, blurred vision, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, swelling and foreign body sensation. In severe cases, burn can cause loss of vision or even permanent damage to the eye.

1. Treatment: Immediate first aid must be provided to minimize damage caused by an ocular burn. It is important to rinse the affected eye with clean water or a sterile saline solution for at least 15 minutes. This helps eliminate any rest of the chemical or heat of the eye. Avoid rubbing the eye, as it can aggravate the injury. Look for medical attention as soon as possible to guarantee adequate evaluation and treatment. The doctor can prescribe eyelets, ointments or oral medications to relieve pain, prevent infection and help in the healing process.

Understanding Eye Burns

There are different types of ocular burns, which are classified according to the origin of the lesion. Thermal burns are caused by exposure to flames, hot liquids or steam, while chemicals occur when the eyes come into contact with acids, alkalis or other corrosive substances. Radiation burns can be caused by exposure to the sun or other radiation sources, such as welding or laser arches. It is important to note that even a brief exposure to intense light, such as a welding torch or a solar eclipse, can cause a burn in the eye.

Reality: eye burns can cause important damage to cornea, conjunctiva and other eye structures if they are not treated promptly. Severe eye burns can cause loss of vision or even blindness if they are not treated.

• The usual symptoms of eye burns are redness, pain, tearing, blurred vision, light sensitivity and strange body sensation in the eye.
• In case of chemical burn, it is crucial to rinse the affected eye with water for at least 15 minutes before looking for medical help. Avoid using any other substance, such as columia or ointments, since the condition can make it worse.

Common Causes of Eye Burns

Chemical Exposure:

One of the most common causes of eye burns is exposure to harmful chemical substances. This can happen in various environments, such as industrial workplaces, laboratories or even at home. Chemical substances such as acids, alkalis, solvents and detergents can cause serious eye injuries if they come into contact with the eyes. It is important to manipulate these substances with caution and wear adequate protective glasses to minimize the risk of ocular burns.

Thermal Burns:

Thermal burns are the result of contact with extreme heat sources, such as fire, hot liquids, steam or hot objects. These burns can affect the delicate structures of the eyes and cause important damage. Among the usual situations in which thermal burns are produced are cooking accidents, industrial mishaps or even exposure to intense sunlight without adequate ocular protection. Taking preventive measures, such as using protective glasses and caution near heat sources, can help reduce the risk of thermal burns.

In case of an eye burn:

• Immediately wash the affected eye with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
• Avoid rubbing or applying pressure on the injured eye.
• Do not try to extract any particle housed in the eye.

Ocular burns can vary in gravity, but any burn in the eyes should be taken seriously. Consulting a medical professional is crucial for adequate diagnosis and treatment. Quick and adequate attention can help prevent lon g-term complications and improve the healing of eye burns.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Eye Burns

1. Redness and irritation: One of the most common symptoms of an ocular burn is redness and irritation of the eye or affected eyes. This can be accompanied by a feeling of sand or sand.
2. Blurred vision: ocular burns can cause temporary or permanent damage in the cornea, causing blurred or cloudy vision. It is important to look for medical attention if your vision is affected after an eye burn.
3. Pain and tenderness: Eye burns can cause severe pain, stinging, or a burning sensation in the eye or eyes. You may also experience increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.

It is essential to keep in mind that the severity of eye burns can vary depending on the type of exposure and duration. Chemical burns, for example, can cause immediate pain and damage, while radiation burns may take longer to develop symptoms. In any case, if you suspect that you have suffered an eye burn, it is important that you act immediately to avoid further damage to your eyes.

Common symptoms of eye burns

Symptom	Description
Redness and irritation	Affected eyes may become red and irritated, often accompanied by a gritty sensation.
Blurry vision	An eye burn can cause temporary or permanent damage to the cornea, causing blurred or cloudy vision.
Pain and sensitivity	Eye burns usually cause severe pain, stinging, or a burning sensation. There may also be photophobia, or increased sensitivity to light.

Immediate First Aid for Eye Burns

1. Rinse with water: The first step in treating an eye burn is to immediately rinse the affected eye with clean, warm water. Use a clean glass, bottle or gentle stream of water. This helps remove any irritating debris and cool the eye. It is important to keep the affected eye open and rinse it for at least 15 minutes. Avoid using hot or cold water, as extreme temperatures can further damage the eye.
2. Remove contact lenses: If the affected person wears contact lenses, they should be removed immediately. Contact lenses can trap chemicals or heat against the surface of the eye, aggravating the damage. Remove contact lenses carefully after rinsing your eye with water.
3. Seek Medical Assistance: While performing first aid, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Seek professional help or take the person to the nearest emergency room. The severity of the eye burn may not be immediately evident, and a medical professional can evaluate the situation and provide appropriate treatment.

An eye burn should never be taken lightly as it can lead to long-term complications and vision problems. Timely and appropriate first aid is crucial to limit damage and promote healing. Remember that even minor eye burns require medical evaluation to avoid possible vision loss.

The following table lists some common substances that can cause eye burns and indicates the first aid measures that should be taken:

Substance	First aid measure
Acid	Clarify with water for at least 20 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
Alkali	Clarify with water for at least 20 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
Hot liquid	Cool your affected eye with clean and warm water for at least 15 minutes and look for immediate medical attention.
Caustic chemicals	Clarify with water for at least 15 minutes and request immediate medical care.

Seeking Medical Attention for Eye Burns

When should medical attention be sought for an eye burn?

1. If you experience intense pain or discomfort in your eyes after an injury, it is important that you look for medical help as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can worsen the situation and increase the risk of permanent damage.
2. The visible signs of an ocular burn, such as redness, swelling or blisters should not be ignored. These signs indicate a possible injury to the delicate structures of the eye, which requires professional evaluation and treatment.
3. If you have been exposed to a chemical or a strange object has entered the eye, you need immediate medical attention. Chemical burns can quickly damage the eye, and foreign objects can scratch or pierce the cornea, causing serious complications.

Remember: eye burns should never be taken lightly. Although the initial symptoms seem slight, it is better to undergo a medical evaluation to rule out any underlying injury or complication. A rapid treatment can be a significant difference in the lon g-term result of an ocular burn.

What to expect when medical attention is requested for an ocular burn?

• Upon arriving at the Medical Center, a healthcare professional will evaluate the severity of the ocular burn and perform an exhaustive examination of the affected eye. You may ask you questions about the cause of the burn and associated symptoms.
• In some cases, the health professional can perform more diagnostic tests, such as fluorescein test or an ultraviolet exam, to determine the scope of the damage and identify any underlying complication.
• Depending on the results of the evaluation, the health professional will recommend the appropriate treatment options. This may include the administration of topical medications, eye drops or ointments to relieve symptoms, promote healing and prevent infection.

Preventing Eye Burns: Safety Tips and Precautions

1. Use adequate ocular protection: When working with hazardous substances or participate in activities that may be a risk to your eyes, always wear protection glasses. Safety glasses or glasses with side protectors can protect their chemical splashes, flying waste and intense light. Make sure the glasses are adjusted correctly and provide a safe seal around the eyes.

• Choose glasses that meet the required safety standards and offer adequate protection for the specific task you are doing.
• Immediately replace damaged or scratched glasses to maintain optimal protection.
• Consider the use of facial protectors along with glasses or glasses for additional protection when handling extremely dangerous materials.
1. Be careful when working with chemicals: Many chemicals can cause severe eye burns if they come into contact with eyes. It is essential to manipulate chemicals carefully and take adequate safety measures, including:

& amp; ndash; Read and always follow the safety instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer of the chemical.

& amp; ndash; Use gloves and aprons resistant to chemicals, in addition to ocular protection, to minimize the risk of skin and ocular burns.

& amp; ndash; Work in well ventilated areas or use extractor bells to avoid exposure to harmful fumes.

In case of accidental splashes, rinse your eyes with clean water immediately and go to the doctor without delay.

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Author of the article



Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont