Acid and Alkali Burn on the Cornea

ABSTRACT

Following application of 2N sodium hydroxide to the cornea, the aqueous humor pH reached a maximum of 10.2, 11.9, and 12 within 6 minutes following 20-, 50-, and 100-ul sodium hydrxide burn, respectively after two hours the pH had fallen to 8.5, 10 and 10.5, The maximum rise following application of 100 ul of ammonium hydroxide was 10.8, declining to about 9 at 2 hours. The fall in pH following a 100-ul sodium hydroxide burn has not greatly influenced by external lavage. However, the pH was significantly lowerd by paracentesis alone and further reduce by immediate or delayed intracameral administration of phosphate buffer. On the basis of these result moderately severe and severe alkali burns of the eye should be treated by paracentesis and if possible with anterior chamber reformation with a sterile solution.