Chemicals in the eye (eye burn)
Chemicals in the eye (eye burns)
An eye burn is caused by contact with acidic or alkaline substances, cleaners or solvents. Alkalies in particular penetrate deep into the tissue and can severely damage the cornea and conjunctiva. Any chemical exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. to the eye is an emergency because of the threat of blindness.
An eye burn is a serious injury in which chemical substances come into contact with and damage the sensitive tissues of the eye. The eye of dogs and cats consists of various highly sensitive structures that can be quickly and permanently damaged when exposed to corrosive substances. The cornea, the conjunctiva, and the scleraThe sclera is the white outer layer of the eyeball that gives the eye shape and stability and protects it from injury. It transitions into the clear cornea at the front. are particularly at risk because they form the outer protective layers of the eye and are therefore the first to come into contact with chemicals.
The severity of a burn is largely determined by three factors: the type of chemical, its concentration, and the duration of exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats.. Alkalis (alkaline substances) are particularly problematic because they penetrate deeper into the tissue than acids and thus often cause more severe damage. While acids cause coagulationCoagulation is the process of blood coagulation, in which liquid blood is transformed into a solid clot. This process is crucial for stopping Bleeding and promoting wound healing. necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems. on the surface, which limits further penetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body., alkalis lead to colliquation necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems., which allows deeper penetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body. and can therefore have more serious long-term consequences.
Causes
Eye burns in pets are caused by contact with various chemical substances found in the household, garden, or garage. The most common causes can be divided into the following categories:
Alkaline substances (lyes) are the most dangerous group. These include cleaning agents such as drain cleaner, oven and grill cleaner, detergents, ammoniaAmmonia is a nitrogenous waste product of protein metabolism in the body, mainly converted to urea in the liver and excreted via the kidneys. Elevated ammonia levels in the blood may indicate liver dysfunction. compounds, and construction chemicals such as cement, lime, and concrete. These substances have a pH valueThe pH value is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH value of 7 being considered neutral, values below 7 acidic, and values above 7 alkaline. above 7 and can penetrate particularly deeply into the eye tissue because they liquefy proteins and fats.
Acidic substances with a pH valueThe pH value is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH value of 7 being considered neutral, values below 7 acidic, and values above 7 alkaline. below 7 include battery acid, rust remover, swimming pool chemicals, toilet cleaner, and certain fruit vinegars in high concentration. Although acids tend to cause more superficial damage than alkalis, they can still cause significant injury.
Organic solvents such as gasoline, turpentine, nail polish remover, and antifreeze remove fats from the tissue and can thereby destroy the lipid layer of the cornea. This leads to increased permeability for other pollutants.
In dogs and cats, there are additional breed-specific risks. Brachycephalic (short-headed) breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, or Persian cats have anatomically protruding eyes that are less protected by the orbital cavityThe orbital cavity is a bony structure in the skull that surrounds the eye and its adnexa. It protects the eye and provides attachment points for the eye muscles. and are therefore exposed to a higher risk of injury. In addition, behavioral factors such as sniffing in waste containers or exploring garages and workshops can increase the risk of eye burns.
Symptoms
Chemicals in the eye/eye burn in dogs and cats
Typical Symptoms:
- Severe blinking, squinting, rubbing, pain
- Tearing, redness, swelling
- Cornea dull/cloudy, light sensitivity
Alarm signs:
- Visible corneal opacity/whitish areas, “milky” eye
- Bulbus change, severe blepharospasms, no opening possible
- Chemical was strongly alkaline/caustic (e.g. cleaner)
- Suspected vision loss, pupil anomalies
Escalation/course:
- Damage deepens in the first hours → immediate flushing critical
- 6–24 h: increasing cloudiness/ulceration possible → escalation
- Days later: necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems./perforation possible with severe burns
Description of Symptoms: Severe pain, impaired vision up to vision loss, increased blood flow to the conjunctiva or a pale conjunctiva if the vessels are destroyed and thereby reduced blood flow to the region, edemaAn edema is a buildup of fluid in the body's tissues, leading to Swelling. Edema can be localized or generalized and is often a sign of an underlying condition. of the eyelids and/or conjunctiva, spasmodic eyelid closure (blepharospasm), corneal opacity (fish eye):
The symptoms of an eye burn in dogs and cats usually occur immediately after contact with the damaging substance and can vary depending on the severity and type of chemical. The characteristic signs include:
AcuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. expressions of pain are often the first recognizable symptom. Affected animals show restlessness, yelping or whining and try to rub their eyes with their paws. Spasmodic eyelid closure (blepharospasm) occurs as a protective reaction and can be so severe that the animal can hardly open its eye.
The conjunctiva reacts with strong redness (hyperemiaHyperemia refers to an increased blood volume in a body area, often as a reaction to inflammation or as a result of improved blood circulation. It can lead to redness and a feeling of warmth in the affected area.) due to increased blood flow. In very severe burns, however, a pale conjunctiva can also occur if the blood vessels have already been destroyed. Increased tear production (epiphora) is another attempt by the body to flush out the damaging substance.
Various changes can be observed on the cornea. Corneal opacity (also known as “fish eye”) is caused by damage to the normally transparent corneal tissue. In severe burns, corneal erosions or even ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer. (deeper defects) can occur. In advanced cases, perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats. of the cornea can occur.
The eyelids and conjunctiva can swell severely (edemaAn edema is a buildup of fluid in the body's tissues, leading to Swelling. Edema can be localized or generalized and is often a sign of an underlying condition.), and in severe cases, tissue necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems. can occur. Impairment of vision up to complete vision loss is possible, with the animal showing signs such as unsteady gait or bumping into objects.
Special considerations for cats
In cats and dogs, the symptoms may differ slightly. Cats tend to withdraw and hide their discomfort when they have eye pain, while dogs are more likely to show obvious pain reactions. Therefore, special attention should be paid to cats in order to recognize eye burns early.
First Aid
- If chemicals get into the eyes, flush the affected eye as quickly as possible, for a very long time (at least 15 minutes), under running, lukewarm or cold water. If necessary, non-alcoholic beverages can also be used.
- Exception: Do not rinse if lime has gotten into the eye. This must be removed mechanically. Rinsing with water would create a highly corrosive alkali, which in turn would cause severe damage.
- Try to open the eyelids. If your pet is not cooperative, try to flush anyway, even if you have to compromise on thoroughness.
- Try to flush near the eye so that the water at least runs over the eyes.
- Turn the animal’s head so that the affected eye is lower, so that no rinsing liquid can flow into the healthy eye.
- However, do not rub.
- Do not use any eye medications without the recommendation of a veterinarian.
- Take the container of the chemical with you or write down the text of the label.
When should you see a vet sooner?
Urgency from orange to -> red in cases of airway irritation from fumes, severe pain response, cloudy cornea, or general symptoms.
Diagnosis
The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of an eye burn is made by a thorough ophthalmological examination, ideally performed by a veterinarian with experience in veterinary ophthalmologyOphthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases. Veterinary ophthalmology concerns the eye health of animals, including dogs and cats.. As this is an emergency, a medical historyThe medical history is the systematic collection of a patient's medical history through questioning. It includes information about previous illnesses, treatments, allergies, and lifestyle habits. is taken first, in which the pet owner is asked about possible contact with chemicals. Information about the type of chemical is particularly valuable, which is why pet owners should bring the container of the suspected substance for veterinary examination.
The clinical examination begins with a careful inspection of the eye area and the visible eye structures. Due to the pain, local anesthesiaAnesthesia refers to the state of insensitivity to pain and can be partial (local anesthesia) or for the entire body (general anesthesia). It is used to keep patients pain-free during surgical procedures. with eye drops is often necessary to allow a detailed examination. The anterior segments of the eye are examined closely with a slit lampA slit lamp is a special microscope used in veterinary ophthalmology to examine the anterior structures of the eye in detail, including the cornea, the iris, and the lens. Examination with a slit lamp can aid in the diagnosis of eye diseases in dogs and cats. to assess the extent of the damage.
A fluorescein stainingFluorescein staining is a diagnostic technique that uses fluorescein, a fluorescent dye, to make tissues, cells, or microbiological samples visible under a microscope, especially in ophthalmology to detect damage to the cornea. test is performed to assess corneal integrity. Damaged corneal tissue absorbs the dye and appears green under blue light, making defects visible. If deeper damage is suspected, tonometryTonometry is a diagnostic procedure used to measure the pressure in a body organ, most often used to determine intraocular pressure for glaucoma diagnosis. can be performed to measure intraocular pressure, as burns can lead to pressure changes.
Determining the pH valueThe pH value is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH value of 7 being considered neutral, values below 7 acidic, and values above 7 alkaline. of the eye surface using special test strips can provide information about the type of corrosive substance and is particularly important if the causative chemical is unknown. Deviations from the physiological pH valueThe pH value is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH value of 7 being considered neutral, values below 7 acidic, and values above 7 alkaline. of the eye (about 7.4) indicate remaining corrosive substances.
In severe burns, further imaging such as ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. or OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) may be necessary to assess the full extent of the damage, especially if deeper eye structures may be affected.
Further veterinary measures
Introduce your animal to a veterinarian immediately. Eye burns are an ophthalmological emergency!
The treatment of eye burns in dogs and cats requires a rapid and systematic approach. InitialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. care ideally begins with the pet owner immediately and extensively flushing the affected eye. This should be done with plenty of lukewarm water or physiological saline solution for at least 15–20 minutes. It is important to position the animal’s head so that the rinsing liquid flows from the affected eye to the unaffected eye to avoid contaminationContamination refers to the pollution of surfaces, objects, water, food, or air with harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or other hazardous substances. of the healthy eye.
In veterinary practice, rinsing is intensified and continued under controlled conditions. Special eye rinsing solutions with a physiological pH valueThe pH value is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH value of 7 being considered neutral, values below 7 acidic, and values above 7 alkaline. are used. In the case of burns caused by alkalis, longer rinsing of up to 60 minutes may be necessary, as these penetrate deeper into the tissue. After rinsing, the pH valueThe pH value is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH value of 7 being considered neutral, values below 7 acidic, and values above 7 alkaline. of the eye surface is checked and rinsing is continued if necessary until a physiological value is reached.
Drug therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. includes several components: TopicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. antibiotics in the form of eye drops or ointments are used for infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. prophylaxisProphylaxis refers to preventive measures taken to avoid diseases or health problems. In veterinary medicine, this can include vaccinations, regular deworming, and other preventive treatments., as the damaged cornea is more susceptible to bacterial infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotics such as ofloxacin or chloramphenicol are often used. Non-steroidalNon-steroidal refers to medications or substances that are not steroids and often have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or antipyretic effects. They are used in dogs and cats to treat Pain and Inflammatory conditions. anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. (NSAIDsNSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a class of medications used to relieve pain, reduce inflammatory conditions, and lower fever without using steroidal agents. They are a commonly used pain reliever in veterinary medicine.) are administered locally and systemically to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. In severe burns, corticosteroidsCorticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that occur naturally in the body and can also be produced synthetically. They have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties and are used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of conditions. may also be used under strict veterinary supervision to dampen the inflammatory reaction.
To support the healing of the cornea, tear substitutes / artificial tearsTear substitutes / artificial tears are preparations used to moisten the surface of the eyes. They are especially useful in dogs and cats with dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) to relieve irritation and support eye health. and, if necessary, collagenase inhibitors are used to slow down the breakdown of the corneal tissue. In the case of deeper corneal defects, special bandage contact lenses or temporary nictitating membraneThe nictitating membrane, also called the third eyelid, is a protective membrane in the inner corner of the eye in dogs and cats. It provides additional protection and moistening of the eye. flaps can be attached to promote healing.
In severe cases with corneal perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats. or extensive tissue destructionDestruction means "demolition." In medicine, it refers to the destruction of cells, tissues, organs, or body parts. The growth of malignant Tumors is also usually accompanied by destruction of the surrounding tissue., surgical interventions such as conjunctival flaps, corneal transplants or, as a last resort, even enucleationEnucleation is the surgical procedure to remove an eyeball. This may be necessary in cases of severe eye disease, injury, or Tumors to relieve Pain and protect the animal's health. (removal of the eyeball) may be necessary.
Prognosis and aftercare
The prognosis for eye burns depends largely on several factors: the type and concentration of the causative substance, the duration of exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats., the speed of initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. care, and the extent of initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. tissue damage. In general, the earlier the rinsing and veterinary treatment is carried out, the better the chances of recovery. Alkali burns often have a poorer prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. than acid burns due to their deeper tissue penetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body..
In the case of superficial burns with prompt treatment, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is usually good, and a complete restoration of vision is possible. In the case of moderate burns, corneal scars may remain, which can impair vision depending on their location and extent. Severe burns involving deeper eye structures can lead to permanent visual impairments or even loss of the eye despite intensive therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions..
Aftercare includes regular veterinary check-ups, initially daily, later at longer intervals. Medication must be administered strictly according to veterinary instructions, with the frequency of application being adjusted as healing progresses. The consistent use of eye drops and ointments is particularly important and often has to be carried out over several weeks.
To protect against self-injury, it may be necessary to wear a neck brace (Elizabethan collar). The animal’s environment should be designed to minimize the risk of injury, for example by removing obstacles in the event of impaired vision.
Long-term complications that can occur after an eye burn include chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. keratitis (corneal inflammation), symblepharon (adhesions between the conjunctiva and cornea), glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure), and cataracts (clouding of the lens). These require continuous veterinary monitoring and, if necessary, adjusted therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions..
Summary
Eye burns in dogs and cats are a medical emergency that requires immediate action. They are caused by contact with corrosive substances such as alkalis, acids, or organic solvents, which are contained in many household, garden, and car care products. Depending on the type of chemical, concentration, and duration of exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats., damage to the eye tissue can range from superficial irritation to deep, vision-threatening injuries.
The clinical signs include pain, blepharospasm, redness, swelling, increased tear flow, and corneal opacities. The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by a thorough ophthalmological examination, with the fluorescein test and pH valueThe pH value is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with a pH value of 7 being considered neutral, values below 7 acidic, and values above 7 alkaline. determination being important diagnostic tools.
TherapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. begins with extensive rinsing of the eye, followed by drug treatment with antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory substances. In severe cases, surgical interventions may be necessary. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. depends on the severity of the burn and the speed of treatment, with early intervention significantly improving the chances of recovery.
Aftercare includes regular veterinary check-ups and the consistent use of the prescribed medications. Preventive measures such as the safe storage of chemicals and the use of protective equipment when working with potentially dangerous substances are crucial to avoid eye burns in pets.
Outlook on current research
Research in the field of treatment of eye burns in small animals is constantly evolving. Current studies focus on innovative therapeutic approaches that promote healing and minimize long-term damage. A promising area is regenerative medicine with the use of stem cells for corneal regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells have shown in experimental studies that they can accelerate corneal repair and reduce scar tissue formation.
Advances in biomaterials research have led to the development of new materials for corneal implants. Synthetic collagen matrices and biocompatible polymers offer alternatives to traditional grafts and can serve as scaffolds for tissue regeneration. These materials are also increasingly being used in veterinary ophthalmologyOphthalmology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases. Veterinary ophthalmology concerns the eye health of animals, including dogs and cats..
The development of special eye rinsing solutions with chelate formers, specifically tailored to certain chemicals, could improve initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. care. These solutions neutralize the corrosive substance more effectively than conventional rinses and can thus reduce the extent of tissue damage.
Advances in topicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. drug delivery through novel formulations such as hydrogels or nanoparticles enable a longer retention time and better penetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body. of the active ingredients in the eye. This could improve therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. adherence and optimize healing outcomes.
The further development of diagnostic imagingDiagnostic imaging includes medical procedures that create images of the inside of the body to diagnose, monitor, or treat diseases and injuries. Examples include X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). techniques such as high-resolution OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) enables a more precise assessment of tissue damage and better therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. planning. These non-invasive procedures allow a detailed representation of the corneal layers and can accurately document the healing process.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Which household chemicals are particularly dangerous for my pet’s eyes?
Particularly dangerous are highly alkaline products such as drain cleaners, oven cleaners and concentrated detergent. Battery acid, pool chemicals and concentrated cleaning agents also pose a high risk. - How do I know if my pet has suffered an eye burn?
Typical signs are sudden eye rubbing, severe blinking, eyelid spasm, redness, swelling, increased tear flow, and possibly a visible clouding of the cornea. The animal shows clear signs of pain and avoids bright light. - What is the difference between a burn caused by acids and a burn caused by alkalis?
Acids typically cause more superficial damage because they cause coagulationCoagulation is the process of blood coagulation, in which liquid blood is transformed into a solid clot. This process is crucial for stopping Bleeding and promoting wound healing. necrosis (clotting), which limits further penetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body.. Alkalis, on the other hand, lead to liquefaction of the tissue (colliquation necrosisNecrosis is the Death of tissue in a living organism, caused by factors such as injury, infection, or lack of blood supply. Necrotic tissue can cause Inflammatory conditions and further health problems.) and penetrate deeper into the tissue. More severe long-term damage is often the result. - Is tap water suitable for initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. rinsing in the event of an eye burn?
Yes, in an emergency, tap water is suitable for immediate rinsing. The most important thing is to act quickly and dilute and flush out the corrosive substance. Ideally, lukewarm water should be used. - How long does healing take after an eye burn?
The healing period varies depending on the severity of the burn. Mild superficial burns can heal within 1–2 weeks, while moderate to severe burns take several weeks to months and can leave permanent damage. - Can my animal see completely again after an eye burn?
With mild to moderate burns with prompt treatment, a complete restoration of vision is possible. However, severe burns can result in permanent visual impairment up to vision loss. - What preventive measures can I take to avoid eye burns in my pet?
Store all chemicals in closed cabinets, use child-resistant closures, do not leave open containers with chemicals, and keep your pets away when working with potentially dangerous substances. - Are certain dog or cat breeds more susceptible to eye burns?
Brachycephalic (short-headed) breeds such as pugs, French bulldogs, or Persian cats have anatomically protruding eyes that are less protected by the orbital cavityThe orbital cavity is a bony structure in the skull that surrounds the eye and its adnexa. It protects the eye and provides attachment points for the eye muscles. and may therefore be at higher risk. - How often do the eye drops have to be used after a burn?
The frequency of application is determined individually by the veterinarian and depends on the severity of the burn. In the acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. phase, eye drops may be required every 1–2 hours, later the frequency is reduced. - Can an untreated eye burn lead to loss of the eye?
Yes, without appropriate and timely treatment, a severe eye burn can lead to irreversible damage that may require enucleationEnucleation is the surgical procedure to remove an eyeball. This may be necessary in cases of severe eye disease, injury, or Tumors to relieve Pain and protect the animal's health. (surgical removal of the eye).
Literature
- https://www.augenaerzte-aarau.ch/veraetzungen-der-augen/
- Löwe, G. and Löwe, O., 2021. Emergencies in dogs and cats – A veterinary Guide. Kreuztal: Kynos-Verlag.
- Merck & Co., 2020. Merck Veterinary Manual. 11th Edition. Kenilworth: Merck Publishing.
- Ledbetter, E.C. and Gilger, B.C. (2021). Diseases and Surgery of the Canine Cornea and Sclera. In: Gelatt, K.N., Ben-Shlomo, G., Gilger, B.C., Hendrix, D.V.H., Kern, T.J. and Plummer, C.E. (Eds.) Veterinary Ophthalmology. 6th Edition. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell, S. 1082-1164.
- Esson, D.W. (2020). Clinical Atlas of Canine and Feline Ophthalmic Disease. Hoboken: Wiley-Blackwell.
- Schrage, N. and Struck, H.G. (2016). Guideline for the treatment of burns and scalds of the eyes and eyelids / Burns and scalds of the eyes: Recommendations for treatment. Working Group of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF).