Exposure of the cornea and conjunctiva to acidic material can be a devastating ocular injury. The proteins in the cornea tend to act as a good buffer to acidic compounds, preventing penetration deeper into the eye, so acidic injuries are generally not as damaging as those from alkaline substances. Patients with chemical injuries to the eye will often be in severe pain and not be able to open the affected eye(s). There will also be excessive tearing in the affected eye.
Chemical injuries are most commonly seen in young men (often not using adequate eye protection). It is essential to initiate treatment for acidic chemical injuries as soon as possible to minimize damage to the cornea and conjunctiva.
Related topic: Ocular alkali burn
Emergency: requires immediate attention
Ocular acid burn - External and Internal Eye
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Codes
ICD10CM:
T26.10XA – Burn of cornea and conjunctival sac, unspecified eye, initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
211662007 – Acid chemical burn of cornea and conjunctival sac
T26.10XA – Burn of cornea and conjunctival sac, unspecified eye, initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
211662007 – Acid chemical burn of cornea and conjunctival sac
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Last Reviewed:07/29/2019
Last Updated:07/31/2019
Last Updated:07/31/2019
Emergency: requires immediate attention
Ocular acid burn - External and Internal Eye
