Evaluation of Prognostic Factors in Adult Chemical Corneal Injury.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors that may be useful in predicting final visual acuity in patients admitted to the clinic with chemical corneal injuries.

Methods: Data on age, sex, time to admission, irrigation solutions (balanced salt solution or phosphate buffered saline) and type of substance causing chemical injury were recorded. On admission, all patients were evaluated according to Roper Hall and Dua classifications. At the twelfth month after treatment, all measurements were repeated.

Results: A total of 131 patients with chemical corneal injuries [group 1 (acid, n = 73) and group 2 (alkaline, n = 58)] were included. The initial best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) level was "20/40 and above" in 32 patients (43.8%) in group 1 and 14 patients (24.1%) in group 2. According to Roper Hall classification, the mean grade was 1.92 ± 0.9 in group 1 and 2.27 ± 1.1 in group 2. According to Dua classification, the mean grade of the patients in group 1 was 2.16 ± 0.9 and 2.58 ± 1.2 in group 2. Posttreatment BCVA level improved to "1/200 to 19/200" in 8 (66.7%) of the patients with an initial BCVA level of "perception of light or hand movements." In univariate analysis, initial visual acuity and posttreatment visual acuity were statistically significant ( P < 0.001). It was also statistically significant in multivariate analysis adjusted for sex and age ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion: In conclusion, the treatment of chemical corneal injuries is a long and exhausting process. The use of initial visual acuity and Dua classification in prognosis prediction may provide high success.