Microwave-superheated Vics Vapo Rub: an ocular public health danger.

PURPOSE

To report a case of a microwave-oven superheated petroleum-based liquid causing severe chemical and thermal ocular burns treated successfully with amniotic membrane transplantation.

DESIGN

Observational case report.

METHODS

Retrospective review of clinical case.

RESULTS

A 77-year-old woman sustained a severe combined chemical and thermal burn from microwave-heated Vicks Vapo-Rub requiring amniotic membrane transplant, with subsequent development of phacomorphic glaucoma, requiring cataract extraction, and bullous keratopathy, requiring penetrating keratoplasty.

CONCLUSIONS

As microwave oven use becomes more commonplace, the risk of superheating liquids becomes an increasingly significant ocular danger. Continued efforts to educate the public about safe microwave use is necessary. Additionally, amniotic membrane transplantation was found to be effective in managing a combined chemical and thermal ocular burn.