Causes of eye burns in children

Abstract

Objective: Eye burns can cause significant ocular morbidity and miss early detection if unsuspected. The objective was to ascertain the reported causes of burns to the eyes in children.

Methods: Published literature on eye burns in children was searched from 1950 to July 2008 in MEDLINE and from 1982 to July 2008 in CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) to identify all reported cases.

Results: Forty-two articles from MEDLINE, 5 from CINAHL database, and 6 from the reference lists were included in the analysis. Eye burns in children were caused by thermal, electrical, microwaved food and drinks, and solar hazards. Chemical agents included household cleaning agents, industrial chemicals, certain medications, agricultural chemicals, and some miscellaneous agents. Biological agents reported were millipedes, snake venom, vesicatory insects, and Manchineel tree sap.

Conclusions: This article shows that children experience eye burns due to many preventable causes. Public education strategies should be implemented to prevent eye burns in children.