Alkali burns cause more damage than acid burns because of their rapid intraocular penetration through cornea. Acid burns cause rapid initial damage by coagulation of proteins, thereby producing a sheet of necrotic tissue which does not allow further penetration of acid.
I think Litmus paper should be available in the ocular emergency department, as it can be utilized to know the type of chemical within shortest possible time and it is not a costly tool, therefore its availability in even poor countries is justifiable.
Fluorescein evaluation is helpful which involves the use of a special dye that colours damaged or dead eye tissue yellow-green when viewed under ultraviolet light, if you have access to these tools.
Yes Chris, we do utilize it. Its a good tool in these situations. Thanks.
Irrigation by 1-2L of saline solution or 20-30 min duration with topical cycloplegic and antibiotic
Eye drops: topical anaesthetic, cycloplegic and antiobiotic.
Check pH at intervals
Systemic analgesics
Article Managing eye injuries
Agreed Nyawira Mwangi except topical anaesthtic because they are contraindicated in such situations, these patients can themselves cause more injury by rubbing the eye after these drops.