@article{article_1700287, title={Clinical Outcomes and Etiological Factors in Ocular Chemical and Thermal Burns}, journal={Bozok Tıp Dergisi}, volume={15}, pages={317–323}, year={2025}, DOI={10.16919/bozoktip.1700287}, author={Erkan Pota, Çisil and Geçer Şerifoğlu, Özge Ekin and Öcal, Olgar and İlhan, Hatice Deniz}, keywords={oküler kimyasal yanık, termal korneal yanık, korneal yanık, limbal iskemi, lökom, semblefaron}, abstract={Objective: To evaluate the clinical findings of patients admitted to the emergency department due to thermal and chemical ocular burns and to investigate the etiological causes. Materials and Methods: The examination findings of 4,821 patients who were referred for ophthalmologic consultation to the emergency department of xxx Faculty of Medicine between 2019 and 2024 were evaluated. Among these, 474 (9.8%) were identified as cases of chemical and thermal corneal burns. Patients’ age, gender, causative agents, initial examination findings, and the presence of permanent damage after treatment were assessed. Examination findings were classified according to the Roper-Hall classification. Results: Of the 474 patients included in the study, 82.1% were adults and 17.9% were pediatric. The male-to-female ratio was 58.4% to 41.6%, respectively. In the pediatric group, the most common cause of corneal burns was adhesives, whereas in adults, the leading cause was bleach (sodium hypochlorite, NaClO). Bleach, adhesives, and thermal agents were the most common causes of initial damage, while bleach was found to be the leading agent in causing permanent complications. Limbal ischemia due to chemical burns was observed in 14 (2.9%) patients. There was a statistically significant difference between causative agents in terms of both initial clinical findings and permanent complications (p <0.001, p <0.025). Bleach caused the highest rate of permanent damage. However, the acidic, basic, or neutral nature of the substance was not found to be significantly associated with permanent damage (p=0.245). In the pediatric group, the most common agents were adhesives and neutral substances, while in adults, bleach and acidic substances were predominant (p <0.001). No limbal ischemia was observed in the pediatric group, and there was no significant difference in complication rates between the two age groups (p=0.597). In terms of gender distribution, women were more frequently exposed to cleaning agents, while men were more commonly exposed to agricultural chemicals, adhesives, and acids (p <0.001). However, no significant difference was found between genders regarding corneal involvement or complications (p=0.790, p=0.408). Permanent vision loss and ocular surface damage were observed in 5 (1.05%) patients. Secondary to limbal ischemia and other ocular surface issues, we observed complications such as corneal neovascularization, leukoma, symblepharon, corneal stromal scarring, and trichiasis. Conclusion: In conclusion, chemical and thermal corneal burns are serious ophthalmic emergencies. It should be noted that alkali burns lead to more severe outcomes and that early treatment is associated with better prognosis. We believe early intervention and appropriate treatment are critical in promoting healing of the ocular surface and preventing permanent vision loss.}, number={3}, publisher={Yozgat Bozok Üniversitesi}