Clinical Profile and Management of Chemical Ocular Burns at a Tertiary Eye Care Centre in South India: A Retrospective Observational Study

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the demographic profile, clinical characteristics, severity, and management of patients presenting with chemical ocular injuries at a tertiary eye care centre in South India between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients presenting with chemical ocular injuries during the study period. Demographic details, mode and place of injury, laterality, presenting visual acuity, Roper–Hall grading, and treatment modalities were retrieved from medical records and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results: A total of 47 patients (56 affected eyes) were included. The mean age was 33.6 ± 14.9 years, and 74.5% were males. Alkali injuries were the most common mode of injury, followed by acid injuries, with the workplace (53.2%) being the commonest site of exposure. Unilateral involvement was observed in 80.9% of patients. Among the affected eyes, 55.4%had presenting visual acuity ≥6/12. Grade 1 chemical injury was the most frequent severity grade (53.6%), followed by Grade 2 (23.2%), Grade 4 (14.3%), and Grade 3 (8.9%). Medical management was sufficient in 85.1% of patients, while 14.9% required surgical intervention.

Conclusion: Chemical ocular injuries predominantly affected young working-age males and were most commonly workplace-related. Although most eyes had mild injuries and were managed conservatively, severe injuries requiring surgery were also encountered. Early ophthalmic evaluation and prompt management are essential to optimize visual outcomes.