Cyanoacrylate lesions of the eye

Background. Cyanoacrylates are contained in nail glues, instant glues, and tissue adhesives such as Histoacryl(R). Cyanoacrylates may inadvertently co ntaminate the conjunctival sac and cause massive loss of visual function an d serious discomfort to the patient. Patients. Over a 10-year period five patients with a cyanoacrylate lesion o f the ocular surface have been observed. Four were injured by instant glue and one by Histoacryl(R). Therapy included moderate rinsing. In the most severely affected patient pa rts of the glue were removed mechanically; spontaneous rejection of the glu e was awaited in the other four. After the glue had been rejected, four pat ients showed corneal erosion which healed without problems. Visual function returned to normal in all patients, and there was no persistent tissue dam age. Conclusions. Cyanoacrylates exert no substantial thermal, chemical, or toxi c effects on the ocular surface when inadvertently entering the conjunctiva l sac. Cyanoacrylate trauma therefore has a very favorable prognosis. The c onservative approach of awaiting spontaneous glue rejection is appropriate.