RESUMO
PURPOSE: Ocular burns are ophthalmic emergencies that can cause devastating injuries. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology, complications, and management of ocular-periocular burns. METHODS: A total of 193 patients with ocular-periocular burns were admitted to our tertiary hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. The demographic characteristics of the patients, injury variables, complications, and treatments were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 142 male (73.6%) and 51 female (26.4%) patients with a mean age of 32.53±17.75 years. The average total body surface area was 12% (range, 1-80%). Injuries were most common at work (52.3%) and home (36.3%). Thermal burns were the most common injuries (74.6%), followed by chemical (14.5%) and electrical burns (10.9%). Alkaline agents (75.0%), mainly sodium hydroxide and lime, were common in chemical burns. Superficial lid burns were significantly higher in the thermal group (p < 0.001), and grade III-IV corneal burns were significantly higher in the chemical group (p < 0.001). Various complications were developed in 50 (13%) eyes. Medical treatment only was performed in 318 (82.4%) eyes, and additional surgical treatment was performed in 64 (17.6%) eyes; however, 54 (14.0%) underwent more than one surgery. The most common complications were corneal scars (7.3%), limbal deficiency (4.1%), and ectropion (3.9%). The most frequent procedures performed were amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) (11.9%) and tarsorrhaphy (6.7%). CONCLUSION: Chemical burns, limbal and conjunctival ischemia, and full-thickness eyelid defects had a poor prognosis. The degree of limbal deficiency and injury of intraocular structures were found to have a great influence on the outcome of their visual acuity.
Assuntos
Queimaduras Químicas , Lesões da Córnea , Queimaduras Oculares , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adolescente , Adulto Jovem , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Queimaduras Oculares/epidemiologia , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Queimaduras Oculares/terapia , Queimaduras Químicas/epidemiologia , Queimaduras Químicas/etiologia , Queimaduras Químicas/terapia , Centros de Atenção Terciária , Túnica ConjuntivaRESUMO
This 75-year-old woman had phacomorphic angle closure, dense nuclear sclerosis, deep set eye, miotic pupil and tight corneal wound during phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification wound burn was noted at the end of surgery. Tenon was harvested from the inferior conjunctiva, placed over the gape and anchored by two radial corneoscleral 10-0 nylon. Ten days later, anterior optical coherence tomography showed good wound apposition and sutures were removed with visual recovery to 20/25 (6/7.5) without astigmatism.
Assuntos
Catarata/terapia , Lesões da Córnea/cirurgia , Queimaduras Oculares/cirurgia , Complicações Intraoperatórias/cirurgia , Facoemulsificação/efeitos adversos , Cápsula de Tenon/transplante , Idoso , Capsulorrexe , Catarata/complicações , Lesões da Córnea/etiologia , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Feminino , Glaucoma de Ângulo Fechado/complicações , Humanos , Complicações Intraoperatórias/etiologia , Tomografia de Coerência Óptica , Transplante AutólogoRESUMO
The corneal fibrotic responses to corneal damage often lead to severe corneal opacification thereby resulting in severe visual impairment or even blindness. The persistence of corneal opacity depends heavily on the activity of corneal myofibroblast. Myofibroblasts are opaque and synthesize a disorganized extracellular matrix (ECM) and thus promoting opacification. Cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is known to play important roles in the differentiation process from fibroblast to myofibroblast in damaged cornea and may therefore be an effective target for treatment of corneal opacity. Here, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of novel CD147 inhibiting verbenone derivative SP-8356 ((1S,5R)-4-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxystyryl)-6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-3-en-2-one) on corneal fibrosis. Topical SP-8356 significantly reduced corneal haze and fibrosis in the alkali-burned cornea. In detail, SP-8356 inhibited both alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expressing myofibroblast and its ECM-related products, such as matrix-metalloproteinase-9 and collagen type III and IV. Similar to SP-8356, topical corticosteroid (prednisolone acetate, PA) also reduced the ECM-related products and opacification. However, prednisolone acetate failed to decrease the population of α-SMA-positive corneal myofibroblast. In conclusion, SP-8356 is capable enough to prevent corneal haze by preventing pathological fibrosis after severe corneal damage. Therefore, SP-8356 could be a potentially promising therapeutic drug for corneal fibrosis.
Assuntos
Álcalis/efeitos adversos , Basigina/antagonistas & inibidores , Monoterpenos Bicíclicos/farmacologia , Lesões da Córnea/etiologia , Lesões da Córnea/patologia , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Queimaduras Oculares/patologia , Animais , Biópsia , Colágeno/metabolismo , Lesões da Córnea/tratamento farmacológico , Citocinas/metabolismo , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Queimaduras Oculares/tratamento farmacológico , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Fibrose , Imuno-Histoquímica , Mediadores da Inflamação/metabolismo , Masculino , RatosRESUMO
PURPOSE: To present a case of a patient who suffered a macular burn after an attempted YAG laser capsulotomy because of the inadvertent use of the selective laser trabeculoplasty mode of a dual-mode laser. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: A 62-year-old man with slight opacification of the posterior capsule noted sudden central vision loss immediately after an attempted YAG laser capsulotomy. The selective laser trabeculoplasty mode of a dual-mode laser had inadvertently been used. Color photographs, fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed a laser burn in the macula. The patient's central vision was impaired. CONCLUSION: Inadvertent selection of the selective laser trabeculoplasty mode when attempting to perform a YAG laser capsulotomy with a dual-mode laser may cause a macular burn with impairment of central vision. We encourage all users of dual-mode lasers to actively choose and verify the appropriate settings to minimize the risk of inadvertent retinal damage.
Assuntos
Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Terapia a Laser/efeitos adversos , Lasers de Estado Sólido/efeitos adversos , Cápsula do Cristalino/cirurgia , Macula Lutea/patologia , Trabeculectomia/efeitos adversos , Acuidade Visual , Queimaduras Oculares/diagnóstico , Humanos , Macula Lutea/efeitos da radiação , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Tomografia de Coerência Óptica/métodosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: An increasing number of consumer laser products are available to Canadians, many being purchased from online retailers. Of particular concern are high-powered, handheld laser devices. This study was conducted to assess the impact of this influx of laser products on the number of laser-associated injuries in Canada. DATA AND METHODS: The rapid response component of the 2014 Canadian Community Health Survey collected data from 19,765 Canadians on the prevalence of laser product exposure and usage, the type of laser product used, and the incidence of eye or skin injuries. RESULTS: Approximately half of Canadians (48.1%) reported using or being exposed to a laser product in the previous 12 months. The highest laser product usage or exposure was among those with university education (58.6%) and those with higher income categories (p ⟨ 0.0001). The highest prevalence of exposure or usage involved laser scanners (38.7%), laser pointers (11.1%) and lasers for entertainment (9.7%). Overall, about 1% of Canadians reported discomfort or injury involving a laser product in the past 12 months. Over half the injuries (59.1%) occurred to the eyes. Most of the injuries (74.9%) resulted from someone else's use of the device. The majority of the reported injuries were caused by lasers for cosmetic treatment or laser pointers. DISCUSSION: Despite the prevalence of laser product usage and exposure among Canadians, a low percentage of respondents reported injuries. This is likely because most laser devices are low-powered and typically do not represent a hazard. Nonetheless, efforts to increase awareness of laser product risks may be beneficial given the findings of this study.
Assuntos
Qualidade de Produtos para o Consumidor , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Lasers/efeitos adversos , Transtornos da Visão/etiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Canadá , Feminino , Inquéritos Epidemiológicos , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Prevalência , Saúde Pública , Fatores Sexuais , Adulto JovemRESUMO
We wish to report an ocular chemical injury caused by inadvertent dispensing and administration of an erectile dysfunction cream (Vitaros) instead of an ocular lubricant (VitA-POS) to highlight this potential source of error. Prescribing errors are common, and medications with similar names/packaging increase risk. However, it is unusual in this case that no individual (including the patient, general practitioner or dispensing pharmacist) questioned erectile dysfunction cream being prescribed to a female patient, with ocular application instructions. The patient was treated for a mild ocular chemical injury with topical antibiotics, steroids and lubricants, with good response. However, we believe this to be an important issue to report to enhance awareness and promote safe prescribing skills.
Assuntos
Síndromes do Olho Seco/tratamento farmacológico , Queimaduras Oculares/diagnóstico , Lubrificantes/efeitos adversos , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Erros de Medicação , Soluções OftálmicasRESUMO
We report a case of accidental ocular chemical injury by self-medication with a single application of a topical ayurvedic medication containing salicylic acid, phenol, and tincture iodine, which is being used in developing countries for treatment of various dermatological conditions.
Assuntos
Queimaduras Químicas/etiologia , Substância Própria/patologia , Fármacos Dermatológicos/efeitos adversos , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Ceratite/induzido quimicamente , Ayurveda , Doença Aguda , Administração Tópica , Adulto , Queimaduras Químicas/diagnóstico , Substância Própria/efeitos dos fármacos , Substância Própria/lesões , Fármacos Dermatológicos/administração & dosagem , Dermatomicoses/tratamento farmacológico , Queimaduras Oculares/diagnóstico , Humanos , Ceratite/diagnóstico , Masculino , Ayurveda/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Unprotected and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from sunlight, lasers, and arc welding leads to outer retinal damage. The photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium located in the posterior pole are particularly susceptible to this radiation. Classically known as solar retinopathy, this disorder frequently affects young individuals who have clear lenses and a propensity toward observing solar eclipses. Various imaging techniques aid the clinician in diagnosis, even if patients cannot recall an exposure event. By far the most utilized technique is optical coherence tomography that, in tandem with fluorescein angiography, and fundus autofluorescence, is crucial in ruling out other conditions. Fortunately, the prognosis of acute UV retinopathy is favorable, as most cases fully recover; however, a significant percentage of patients suffer from chronic sequelae: reduced acuity and lifelong central/paracentral scotomas. Thus, education toward understanding UV exposure risks, coupled with either abstinence or proper eye protection, is critical in preventing macular damage. We outline the various etiologies responsible for UV-induced retinopathy, describe the limited treatments available, and provide recommendations to minimize the potential devastating ophthalmic consequences as our society increases its reliance on UV-emitting technology and further engages in solar eclipse viewing.
Assuntos
Exposição Ambiental/efeitos adversos , Queimaduras Oculares , Lesões por Radiação , Doenças Retinianas , Epitélio Pigmentado da Retina/patologia , Luz Solar/efeitos adversos , Raios Ultravioleta/efeitos adversos , Queimaduras Oculares/diagnóstico , Queimaduras Oculares/epidemiologia , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Saúde Global , Humanos , Incidência , Lesões por Radiação/diagnóstico , Lesões por Radiação/epidemiologia , Lesões por Radiação/etiologia , Doenças Retinianas/diagnóstico , Doenças Retinianas/epidemiologia , Doenças Retinianas/etiologia , Epitélio Pigmentado da Retina/efeitos da radiação , Tomografia de Coerência ÓpticaAssuntos
Queimaduras Químicas/etiologia , Corantes/efeitos adversos , Córnea/diagnóstico por imagem , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Ceratite/induzido quimicamente , Adulto , Queimaduras Químicas/diagnóstico , Lentes de Contato Hidrofílicas , Córnea/efeitos dos fármacos , Queimaduras Oculares/diagnóstico , Feminino , Humanos , Ceratite/diagnóstico , Ceratite/prevenção & controle , Masculino , Microscopia Acústica , Microscopia ConfocalRESUMO
The paper presents an atypical case of solar retinopathy after short-term exposure to reflected focused sunbeams. An ophthalmoscopic peculiarity was the presence of intraretinal hemorrhage. The basis for establishing the diagnosis were spectral optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography findings.
Assuntos
Queimaduras Oculares , Retina , Doenças Retinianas , Hemorragia Retiniana/diagnóstico , Queimadura Solar/complicações , Adulto , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Gerenciamento Clínico , Queimaduras Oculares/diagnóstico , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Queimaduras Oculares/fisiopatologia , Angiofluoresceinografia/métodos , Humanos , Masculino , Oftalmoscopia/métodos , Retina/diagnóstico por imagem , Retina/lesões , Doenças Retinianas/diagnóstico , Doenças Retinianas/etiologia , Doenças Retinianas/fisiopatologia , Hemorragia Retiniana/etiologia , Tomografia de Coerência Óptica/métodos , Acuidade VisualAssuntos
Traumatismos por Explosões/etiologia , Lesões da Córnea/etiologia , Fontes de Energia Elétrica/efeitos adversos , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Smartphone/instrumentação , Adulto , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Anti-Inflamatórios não Esteroides/uso terapêutico , Traumatismos por Explosões/diagnóstico , Traumatismos por Explosões/terapia , Terapia Combinada , Lesões da Córnea/diagnóstico , Lesões da Córnea/terapia , Queimaduras Oculares/diagnóstico , Queimaduras Oculares/terapia , Dor Ocular/diagnóstico , Dor Ocular/etiologia , Dor Ocular/terapia , Glucocorticoides/uso terapêutico , Humanos , Lubrificantes Oftálmicos/uso terapêutico , Masculino , Acuidade VisualRESUMO
Alkali burns to the eye constitute a leading cause of worldwide blindness. In recent case series, corneal transplantation revealed unexpected damage to the retina and optic nerve in chemically burned eyes. We investigated the physical, biochemical, and immunological components of retinal injury after alkali burn and explored a novel neuroprotective regimen suitable for prompt administration in emergency departments. Thus, in vivo pH, oxygen, and oxidation reduction measurements were performed in the anterior and posterior segment of mouse and rabbit eyes using implantable microsensors. Tissue inflammation was assessed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The experiments confirmed that the retinal damage is not mediated by direct effect of the alkali, which is effectively buffered by the anterior segment. Rather, pH, oxygen, and oxidation reduction changes were restricted to the cornea and the anterior chamber, where they caused profound uveal inflammation and release of proinflammatory cytokines. The latter rapidly diffuse to the posterior segment, triggering retinal damage. Tumor necrosis factor-α was identified as a key proinflammatory mediator of retinal ganglion cell death. Blockade, by either monoclonal antibody or tumor necrosis factor receptor gene knockout, reduced inflammation and retinal ganglion cell loss. Intraocular pressure elevation was not observed in experimental alkali burns. These findings illuminate the mechanism by which alkali burns cause retinal damage and may have importance in designing therapies for retinal protection.
Assuntos
Queimaduras Químicas/metabolismo , Queimaduras Oculares/metabolismo , Retina/lesões , Álcalis , Animais , Apoptose/efeitos dos fármacos , Apoptose/fisiologia , Queimaduras Químicas/tratamento farmacológico , Queimaduras Químicas/etiologia , Queimaduras Químicas/patologia , Córnea/imunologia , Lesões da Córnea/tratamento farmacológico , Lesões da Córnea/etiologia , Lesões da Córnea/metabolismo , Lesões da Córnea/patologia , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Avaliação Pré-Clínica de Medicamentos/métodos , Queimaduras Oculares/tratamento farmacológico , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Queimaduras Oculares/patologia , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Infliximab/farmacologia , Infliximab/uso terapêutico , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/farmacologia , Fármacos Neuroprotetores/uso terapêutico , Oxirredução , Coelhos , Receptores Tipo I de Fatores de Necrose Tumoral/deficiência , Receptores Tipo I de Fatores de Necrose Tumoral/genética , Receptores Tipo II do Fator de Necrose Tumoral/deficiência , Receptores Tipo II do Fator de Necrose Tumoral/genética , Retina/imunologia , Retina/metabolismo , Retina/patologia , Células Ganglionares da Retina/efeitos dos fármacos , Células Ganglionares da Retina/patologia , Hidróxido de Sódio , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/antagonistas & inibidores , Fator de Necrose Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Úvea/metabolismo , Uveíte Anterior/induzido quimicamente , Uveíte Anterior/metabolismo , Uveíte Anterior/patologia , Uveíte Anterior/prevenção & controleRESUMO
Reports of laser-induced ocular injuries have become more frequent in recent years, especially due to high-energy laser pointers. The article presents for the first time in the German literature a case of self-inflicted laser-induced maculopathy in an adolescent. In addition to the clinical findings, the results of funduscopy and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) follow-up are presented.
Assuntos
Queimaduras Oculares/diagnóstico , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Lasers/efeitos adversos , Retina/lesões , Comportamento Autodestrutivo/complicações , Comportamento Autodestrutivo/diagnóstico , Adolescente , Queimaduras Oculares/terapia , Humanos , Masculino , Oftalmoscopia , Comportamento Autodestrutivo/terapia , Tomografia de Coerência Óptica/métodos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Ocular thermal burns represent an oculoplastic emergency, with the potential for blindness owing to limbal ischaemia. We present a rare case of a 66-year-old man who sustained a direct thermal contact burn to the right eye.
Assuntos
Queimaduras Oculares/cirurgia , Idoso , Opacidade da Córnea/etiologia , Desbridamento , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Humanos , Masculino , Procedimentos de Cirurgia Plástica/métodos , Doenças da Esclera/etiologia , Retalhos CirúrgicosAssuntos
Queimaduras Oculares/diagnóstico , Óptica e Fotônica/métodos , Células Fotorreceptoras de Vertebrados/efeitos da radiação , Doenças Retinianas/diagnóstico , Queimadura Solar/diagnóstico , Luz Solar/efeitos adversos , Adulto , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Feminino , Angiofluoresceinografia , Fundo de Olho , Humanos , Oftalmoscopia , Células Fotorreceptoras de Vertebrados/patologia , Doenças Retinianas/etiologia , Queimadura Solar/etiologia , Tomografia de Coerência ÓpticaRESUMO
PURPOSE: The authors report a case with multiple iris burns after conductive keratoplasty to correct hyperopia. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 52-year-old woman with hyperopia had a previous conductive keratoplasty procedure and underwent a conductive keratoplasty re-treatment 6 months later. Postoperatively, she presented with 360-degree iris burns in both eyes that were correlated with the corneal conductive keratoplasty scars. In addition, specular microscopy revealed decreased endothelial cell density for both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of iris burns associated with conductive keratoplasty. [J Refract Surg. 2016;32(11):776-778.].
Assuntos
Queimaduras por Corrente Elétrica/etiologia , Eletrocoagulação/efeitos adversos , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Hiperopia/cirurgia , Iris/lesões , Queimaduras por Corrente Elétrica/diagnóstico , Queimaduras por Corrente Elétrica/cirurgia , Perda de Células Endoteliais da Córnea/diagnóstico , Perda de Células Endoteliais da Córnea/etiologia , Substância Própria/cirurgia , Topografia da Córnea , Queimaduras Oculares/diagnóstico , Queimaduras Oculares/cirurgia , Feminino , Humanos , Doença Iatrogênica , Implante de Lente Intraocular , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Facoemulsificação , Reoperação , Acuidade Visual/fisiologiaRESUMO
PurposeCharacterize ocular trauma and visual outcomes from firework injuries at a level I trauma center.MethodsRetrospective review of all firework injuries at Harborview Medical Center between 2003 and 2013.ResultsThree hundred and twenty-seven patients sustained firework injuries, of which 100 (31%) sustained ocular injuries. The average age of all patients who sustained fireworks injuries was 24.2 years, 89% were male and 54% of injuries occurred within 48 h of 4 July. Ocular injuries were most commonly caused by mortars (24%) and rockets (22%). Rockets were associated with four times the frequency of ocular injuries as compared with non-ocular injuries (P<0.001). Spectators were more likely to sustain ocular injuries than non-ocular injuries (P=0.001). The most common injuries sustained were corneal abrasions (67%), hyphemas (42%), eyelid injuries (39%), and ruptured globes (17%). Twenty-eight percent of patients with ocular injuries required surgical intervention. Ruptured globes occurred in 17% of patients, with the majority being complex corneoscleral lacerations. Fifty-eight percent of patients who sustained ruptured globes were left with no light perception in the affected eye. Average follow-up was 188 days. Average visual acuity significantly improved from logMAR 1.8±1.6 at presentation to logMAR 1.3±1.8 at last follow-up.ConclusionsFirework-related ocular trauma frequently results in vision-threatening pathology. Prompt referral to and treatment by ophthalmologists is critical. This study documents the dangers inherent in the personal use of fireworks and provides data that may help guide public policy to decrease the frequency of these devastating injuries.
Assuntos
Traumatismos por Explosões/etiologia , Substâncias Explosivas/efeitos adversos , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Traumatismos Oculares/etiologia , Centros de Traumatologia/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , Traumatismos por Explosões/classificação , Traumatismos por Explosões/terapia , Criança , Queimaduras Oculares/classificação , Queimaduras Oculares/terapia , Traumatismos Oculares/classificação , Traumatismos Oculares/terapia , Feminino , Incêndios , Férias e Feriados , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estudos Retrospectivos , Índices de Gravidade do Trauma , Estados Unidos , Acuidade Visual/fisiologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
PURPOSE: To report cases of acute globe rupture and bilateral corneal burns from electronic cigarette (EC) explosions. METHODS: Case series. RESULTS: We describe a series of patients with corneal injury caused by EC explosions. Both patients suffered bilateral corneal burns and decreased visual acuity, and one patient sustained a unilateral corneoscleral laceration with prolapsed iris tissue and hyphema. A review of the scientific literature revealed no prior reported cases of ocular injury secondary to EC explosions; however, multiple media and government agency articles describe fires and explosions involving ECs, including at least 4 with ocular injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Given these cases and the number of recent media reports, ECs pose a significant public health risk. Users should be warned regarding the possibility of severe injury, including sight-threatening ocular injuries ranging from corneal burns to full-thickness corneoscleral laceration.
Assuntos
Traumatismos por Explosões/etiologia , Lesões da Córnea/etiologia , Sistemas Eletrônicos de Liberação de Nicotina/efeitos adversos , Explosões , Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Lacerações/etiologia , Esclera/lesões , Adolescente , Traumatismos por Explosões/diagnóstico , Lesões da Córnea/diagnóstico , Queimaduras Oculares/diagnóstico , Traumatismos Faciais/etiologia , Humanos , Lacerações/diagnóstico , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Acuidade VisualRESUMO
A 43-year-old male patient with unilateral metamorphosia presented after gazing at an eclipse with only one eye. Damage of the macula was demonstrated funduscopically, with OCT and angiography. Six weeks after initial presentation and oral methylprednisolone therapy (40 mg/d for 10 days), the symptoms and the morphological changes decreased. Solar retinopathy is a photochemical alteration of the retina, usually seen after sun gazing. In younger patients, it mostly presents as bilateral solar maculopathy. Some patients exhibit partial or total recovery.
Assuntos
Queimaduras Oculares/etiologia , Macula Lutea/lesões , Macula Lutea/patologia , Doenças Retinianas/etiologia , Doenças Retinianas/patologia , Energia Solar , Administração Oral , Adulto , Anti-Inflamatórios/administração & dosagem , Humanos , Masculino , Metilprednisolona/administração & dosagem , Doenças Retinianas/tratamento farmacológico , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Microwave ovens allow for quick and simple cooking. However, the importance of adequate food preparation, prior to microwave cooking, and the consequences of inadequate preparation are not well-known. METHOD: The authors conducted a retrospective outcome analysis of all patients who sustained facial burns from microwaved foods and were treated at a UK regional burns unit over a six-year period. Patients were identified from clinical records. RESULTS: Eight patients presented following inadequate preparation of either tinned potatoes (n=4) or eggs (n=4). All patients sustained <2% total body surface area facial burns. Mean age was 41 years (range 21-68 years). Six cases (75%) had associated ocular injury. One received amniotic membrane grafts; this individual's vision remains poor twelve months after injury. DISCUSSION: Rapid dielectric heating of water within foods may produce high steam and vapour pressure gradients and cause explosive decompression [1,5,11]. Consumers may fail to recognise differential heating and simply cook foods for longer if they remain cool on the outer surface. Education on safe use and risks of microwave-cooked foods may help prevent these potentially serious injuries. CONCLUSION: Microwave ovens have become ubiquitous. The authors recognise the need for improved public awareness of safe microwave cooking. Burns resulting from microwave-cooked foods may have life-changing consequences.