Ocular Toxicology

Heavy metals are not typically considered to be ocular toxicants.

Acids typically cause corneal burns, which can be very painful and lead to permanent vision loss.

Bases typically cause conjunctival burns, which are usually less severe than corneal burns.

Organic solvents can cause corneal burns, which can be very painful and lead to permanent vision loss.

Heavy metals can cause uveitis, which is an inflammation of the uvea.

The best way to treat an ocular chemical burn is to flush the eye with water, apply a topical anesthetic, and apply a topical antibiotic.

The best way to prevent ocular chemical burns is to wear eye protection when working with chemicals, keep chemicals out of reach of children, and store chemicals in a safe place.

Radiation typically causes retinal burns, which can lead to permanent vision loss.

There is no specific treatment for an ocular radiation burn. Treatment is supportive and may include pain relievers, antibiotics, and surgery.

The best way to prevent ocular radiation burns is to wear eye protection when working with radiation, keep radiation sources out of reach of children, and store radiation sources in a safe place.

Mechanical trauma typically causes corneal abrasions, which are usually minor and heal quickly.

The best way to treat an ocular mechanical injury is to flush the eye with water, apply a topical anesthetic, and apply a topical antibiotic.

The best way to prevent ocular mechanical injuries is to wear eye protection when working with sharp objects, keep sharp objects out of reach of children, and store sharp objects in a safe place.

Thermal trauma typically causes corneal burns, which can be very painful and lead to permanent vision loss.

The best way to treat an ocular thermal injury is to flush the eye with water, apply a topical anesthetic, and apply a topical antibiotic.

The best way to prevent ocular thermal injuries is to wear eye protection when working with heat sources, keep heat sources out of reach of children, and store heat sources in a safe place.