Chemical Burns of the Eye: The Role of Retinal Injury and New Therapeutic Possibilities. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • PURPOSE: To propose a new treatment paradigm for chemical burns to the eye - in the acute and chronic phases. METHODS: Recent laboratory and clinical data on the biology and treatment of chemical burns are analyzed. RESULTS: Corneal blindness from chemical burns can now be successfully treated with a keratoprosthesis, on immediate and intermediate bases. Long term outcomes, however, are hampered by early retinal damage causing glaucoma. New data suggest that rapid diffusion of inflammatory cytokines posteriorly (TNF-α, etc) can severely damage the ganglion cells. Prompt anti-TNF-α treatment is markedly neuroprotective. Long term profound reduction of the intraocular pressure is also vital. CONCLUSION: A new regimen, in addition to standard treatment, for severe chemical burns is proposed. This involves tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibition promptly after the accident (primarily for retinal neuroprotection), prophylactic maximal lowering of the intraocular pressure (starting immediately), and keratoprosthesis implantation in a later quiet state.

authors

publication date

  • February 1, 2018

Research

keywords

  • Burns, Chemical
  • Retina
  • Retinal Diseases

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC8728745

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 85043690286

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1371/journal.pone.0040065

PubMed ID

  • 29135604

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 37

issue

  • 2