OUTCOMES OF OCULAR EXPOSURES REPORTED TO A REGIONAL POISON CONTROL CENTER

Although toxic chemical ocular exposures are common, there has been li ttle epidemiologic study of this problem. We carried out a systematic follow-up study of symptomatic ocular exposures reported to a regional poison control center (PCC). We interviewed 279 (76%) of 368 patients reported to the PCC that met study criteria. Exposures were heterogen eous, including personal care and medicinal products, 42 (15%); hydroc arbon solvents 30 (11%); hypochlorite bleach, 20 (7%); strong acids an d bases 19 (7%); and all other causes 168 (60%). The median duration t hat eye irrigation was performed as a first aid measure was 15 min; 20 3 (73%) initiated irrigation within 2 min or less. Only 30 (11%) repor ted that symptoms persisted longer than 2 days; 85 (31%) were treated by a physician for the exposure. Taking into account other factors suc h as type of exposure and extent of involvement, reported increased le ngth of irrigation time was associated with worse outcome whether meas ured by number of symptoms (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% confidence interv al [CI] 1.2-2.2, per 10 min irrigation); symptoms persistent for more than 2 days (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.6); or receipt of physician care (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.7-3.2). These data show that ocular chemical exposures reported in PCC case surveillance are heterogeneous and largely self-l imited. Nonetheless, specific exposure- and treatment-related factors may predict worse outcome and may warrant further investigation. Epide miologic assessment of this common cause of ocular morbidity is import ant to guide prevention activities.