Exposure of the cornea and conjunctiva to alkaline material can be a devastating ocular injury. Some of the more common materials causing alkali injuries are bleach, cleaning agents, and cement. The damage from this chemical injury is so severe because alkaline agents are lipophilic, so the cornea is not able to prevent them from gaining access to the anterior chamber.

Patients with chemical injuries to the eye are often in severe pain and unable to open the affected eye(s). There will also be excessive tearing in the affected eye(s). Chemical injuries are most commonly seen in young men (often not using adequate eye protection) or in those frequently using / exposed to cleaning agents. It is essential to initiate treatment for alkaline chemical injuries as soon as possible to minimize damage.

Related topic: Ocular acid burn