Mark P Breazzano1, H Russell Day2, Sarah Tanaka2, Uyen Tran3. 1. Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Ophthalmology, Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York. Electronic address: mb4417@cumc.columbia.edu. 2. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee. 3. Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To present data on chemical ocular burns in children seen at a single tertiary care facility resulting from accidental eye exposure to the contents of laundry detergent pods. METHODS: All emergent pediatric ophthalmology consultations specific for chemical ocular burns at a level I trauma center were included as part of a prospective quality improvement investigation over a 13-month period. Age, causative agent, and examination findings at presentation and final follow-up were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 12 children with chemical ocular burns were seen during the study period. All patients were ≤5 years of age. Most chemical ocular burn consultations (n = 8) were specific to ocular exposure of laundry detergent pod contents; the remainder were associated with conventional cleaning agents or pesticides (n = 4). There was a significant association between laundry detergent pod as causative agent and a patient age of 2-5 years, compared to <2 years and any other agent (P = 0.018 [Fisher exact test]). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, laundry detergent pods were the most frequent cause of chemical ocular burns in children. Additionally, preschoolers may be at a higher risk of sustaining these injuries. Increased public awareness, product safety improvements, and/or regulation may be advisable to decrease the ocular hazards associated with laundry detergent pods.
PURPOSE: To present data on chemical ocular burns in children seen at a single tertiary care facility resulting from accidental eye exposure to the contents of laundry detergent pods. METHODS: All emergent pediatric ophthalmology consultations specific for chemical ocular burns at a level I trauma center were included as part of a prospective quality improvement investigation over a 13-month period. Age, causative agent, and examination findings at presentation and final follow-up were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 12 children with chemical ocular burns were seen during the study period. All patients were ≤5 years of age. Most chemical ocular burn consultations (n = 8) were specific to ocular exposure of laundry detergent pod contents; the remainder were associated with conventional cleaning agents or pesticides (n = 4). There was a significant association between laundry detergent pod as causative agent and a patient age of 2-5 years, compared to <2 years and any other agent (P = 0.018 [Fisher exact test]). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, laundry detergent pods were the most frequent cause of chemical ocular burns in children. Additionally, preschoolers may be at a higher risk of sustaining these injuries. Increased public awareness, product safety improvements, and/or regulation may be advisable to decrease the ocular hazards associated with laundry detergent pods.
Authors: Huda Al-Ghadeer; Mohammed Al Amry; Khalid A Aldihan; Omar S Alobaidan; Ghadah Mohammed S AlQahtani; Rajiv Khandekar Journal: Clin Ophthalmol Date: 2022-10-01
Authors: María Teresa Rodríguez-Ares; Rosario Touriño; David Lamas-Francis; Laura Martínez-Pérez; Marina Bustelo; Francisco González Journal: J Paediatr Child Health Date: 2021-02-10 Impact factor: 1.929