Chemical Burns

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Understand the pathophysiology of chemical injuries to the ocular surface
• Recognize the clinical spectrum of acid and alkali burns, their prognostic indicators, and early signs of limbal ischemia.
• Identify key steps in the acute assessment and management of chemical burns
• Review strategies for subacute and chronic management.
• Understand long-term complications and their impact on visual prognosis.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides a comprehensive and clinically focused overview of ocular chemical burns. It emphasizes clinical reasoning, understanding of tissue injury mechanisms, and recognition of prognostic factors. Participants will explore both typical and severe presentations, review evidence-based medical and surgical management options, and understand how to anticipate and prevent long-term complications. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to manage chemical burns across all phases, acute, subacute, and chronic, to optimize visual and anatomical outcomes.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Practicing ophthalmologists, ophthalmology residents, medical students.

AUTHORS/AFFILIATIONS

• Edmond Sandouk, M.D.: Ophthalmology research fellow, Ophthalmology department, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Michael Mina, M.D.: Ophthalmology resident, Ophthalmology department, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
• Mona Harissi-Dagher, M.D: Ophthalmologist, Ophthalmology department, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

DISCLOSURES

• Edmond Sandouk, M.D.: None
• Michael Mina, M.D.: None
• Mona Harissi-Dagher, M.D: None