Skruodyte Justina, Sveikataite Martyna, Sveikatiene Jurate, Serpytis Pranas
Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, LT-01131 Vilnius, Lithuania.
Eye Diseases Department, Republican Vilnius University Hospital, LT-04130 Vilnius, Lithuania.
Clin Pract. 2025 Feb 13;15(2):35. doi: 10.3390/clinpract15020035.
Ophthalmic emergencies are acute conditions that progress rapidly, posing a significant threat to a patient's vision and requiring urgent intervention to prevent permanent visual impairment. This study aimed to assess the general awareness of ocular chemical burns and the adequacy of the immediate response measures while also seeking to improve the understanding of these injuries and contribute to promoting a healthier society. A comprehensive literature review was performed, and the most frequently reported questions were incorporated into the original survey. An anonymous questionnaire, available both online and in print, was developed to conduct a cross-sectional study to assess the general knowledge of the causes, symptoms, and appropriate first aid measures to be applied in cases of chemical ocular trauma. Between April and May 2024, 175 individuals completed the questionnaire and were included in the study. More than half (54%) of the tested population demonstrated a poor level of knowledge about chemical ocular injuries, and only 30.9% of the respondents correctly indicated the need for imminent treatment. Twenty percent of the respondents could not identify whether alkalis or acids are more hazardous. Additionally, 5.7% of the respondents falsely considered consultation with an emergency department a priority before thorough irrigation. Most of the respondents (60.6%) incorrectly indicated that the appropriate first aid measures and treatment depend on the substance involved, and 68.1% of the respondents stated that treatment in the emergency department should be delayed, allowing for anamnesis collection and thorough examination. Ocular chemical injuries can substantially impact an individual's quality of life. The present study found that the public knowledge concerning ocular chemical trauma, and the necessary immediate treatment is insufficient. Public education is vital, as delaying prompt and thorough irrigation at the chemical injury site may result in irreversible complications.
眼科急症是迅速发展的急性病症，对患者视力构成重大威胁，需要紧急干预以防止永久性视力损害。本研究旨在评估对眼部化学烧伤的总体认知以及即时应对措施的充分性，同时增进对这些损伤的了解，并为促进更健康的社会做出贡献。进行了全面的文献综述，并将最常报道的问题纳入原始调查问卷。设计了一份在线和纸质均可获取的匿名问卷，以开展横断面研究，评估对化学性眼外伤的病因、症状及适当急救措施的常识。在2024年4月至5月期间，175人完成了问卷并纳入研究。超过一半（54%）的受测人群对眼部化学损伤的知识水平较差，只有30.9%的受访者正确指出需要立即治疗。20%的受访者无法确定碱或酸哪种更具危害性。此外，5.7%的受访者错误地认为在彻底冲洗之前优先咨询急诊科。大多数受访者（60.6%）错误地表示适当的急救措施和治疗取决于所涉及的物质，68.1%的受访者表示应推迟在急诊科的治疗，以便进行病史采集和全面检查。眼部化学损伤会严重影响个人生活质量。本研究发现，公众对眼部化学创伤及必要的即时治疗的了解不足。公众教育至关重要，因为在化学损伤部位延迟及时、彻底的冲洗可能会导致不可逆转的并发症。
