A 14-year-old girl who regained normal vision after bilateral visual impairment following hot water injury to the eyes

Saudi J Ophthalmol. 2011 Apr;25(2):207-10. doi: 10.1016/j.sjopt.2010.09.001. Epub 2010 Jul 10.

Abstract

A 14-year-old girl presented with bilateral visual impairment following hot water injury to the eyes. The patient was admitted for a week and managed with guttae tropicamide 0.5% 8 h, diclofenac sodium 0.1% 4 h, and fluoroquinolone 0.3% 6 h and ointment chloramphenicol 8 h. Also, the patient was managed with capsule doxycycline 100 mg 12 h for 10 days, tablet cataflam 50 mg 12 h for 7 days and intramuscular tetanus toxoid 0.5 mg stat and dermacine cream for facial scald. The visual acuities improved from 3/60 (right eye) and 6/24 (left eye) to 6/6 in both eyes. There were resolutions of facial/eye pain, tearing, photophobia, lid edema, blepharospasm, and conjunctival hyperemia. There was complete healing of facial wounds and corneal ulcers. She was discharged from hospital on the 7th day of admission. Prompt presentation, degree of scald sustained, and appropriate medical intervention enhanced visual recovery and wound healing in the patient.

Keywords: Eye burn; Hot water; Safety education; Visual impairment.