Management of ocular thermal and chemical injuries, including amniotic membrane therapy

• Published in: Current opinion in ophthalmology Vol. 21; no. 4; p. 317
• Main Authors: Fish, Robert, Davidson, Richard S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.07.2010
• Subjects: Amnion - transplantation; Anti-Bacterial Agents - administration & dosage; Burns, Chemical - etiology; Burns, Chemical - therapy; Combined Modality Therapy; Conjunctiva - injuries; Corneal Injuries; Eye Burns - chemically induced; Eye Burns - therapy; Eyelids - injuries; Glucocorticoids - administration & dosage; Humans; Ointments - administration & dosage; Sclera - injuries
• ISSN: 1531-7021
• DOI: 10.1097/ICU.0b013e32833a8da2

To provide a concise review of the literature regarding potential management strategies of ocular thermal and chemical injuries. After experiencing a serious ocular surface burn, either thermal or chemical, the goal of therapy is to restore a normal ocular surface and corneal clarity. If extensive corneal scarring and/or limbal stem cell deficiency are present, techniques such as limbal stem cell grafting, amniotic membrane transplantation and possibly a keratoprosthesis can be employed to help restore vision. This article will review the literature available and discuss how these techniques have improved the prognosis of patients with serious thermal and chemical injuries. Ocular thermal and chemical injuries are a true ocular emergency and require immediate and intensive evaluation and treatment. The sequelae of an ocular burn can be severe and particularly challenging to manage. Improvements in the understanding of the pathophysiology of a radiant energy or chemical injury as well as advancements in ocular surface reconstruction have provided hope for patients in whom would otherwise have a dismal visual prognosis.