alkali burns to the eye
Last reviewed 01/2018
Alkaline agents tend to penetrate tissue more deeply than acidic ones. Also, unlike acids they tend to conjugate with local proteins making them more difficult to remove.
Initially, the treatment should be copious irrigation. This may be difficult in the face of severe blepharospasm. The irrigant should be a normal saline or isotonic saline solution. However, in the absence of these, water should be used.
Immediate assessment is required by an ophthalmological unit.