E-PIX: An enhanced grading for acute ocular burns

ABSTRACT

An enhanced online and manual grading system, based on the I’s and E’s, for acute ocular chemical injuries is being proposed. E-PIX is designed to be an online/manual grading system that includes all the parameters that adversely affect the outcome of acute chemical injuries. The importance of addressing the I’s and E’s in chemical burns cannot be underestimated. These include the need for the documentation and management of epithelial defect (E), intraocular pressure (P) (IOP), ischemia (scleral) (I), and exposure (X) (acronym - E-PIX). Epithelial defect includes that involving the limbus (L), along with conjunctival (C), corneal (K), and tarsal (T). These additional parameters are graded and represented as an annotation along with the limbal grade providing a comprehensive grading for the injury. A manual entry sheet and a freely accessible online grade generator are a part of the system. The proposed enhanced grading offers a final annotation that provides a clear understanding of all factors that can lead to vision-threatening complications ensuring their assessment and hence subsequently their addressal to improve outcomes, if abnormal. The prognostication continues to be based on the grade of limbal involvement. The additional annotations impact prognosis and outcome if not addressed. Including the laterality of injury provides, in addition, a futuristic understanding of available options. The grade generator retains the flexibility to be dynamic with changes reflecting upon the healing process in the acute stage. The proposed system aims to provide primary and tertiary caregivers alike with a uniform grading system.