Chemical burns of the eyelids: a prospective study

ABSTRACT

We present our two-year experience in the management of chemical burns involving the eyelids. The series includes patients with eyelid burns as well as those presenting with post-burn eyelid contractures. Majority of the patients were victims of homicidal incidents with females outnumbering the males. In all patients, the involved eyelids were treated simultaneously by release of contracture and skin grafting. The fibrous tissue response has been observed to be more rapid and florid in chemical burns as compared to flame burns. Early, aggressive intervention is required to prevent serious sequelae which may follow chemical burns of the eyelids