Chemical injury to the eye can be caused by an occupational accident or by common household products such as cleaning solutions, garden chemicals, solvents, or many other types of chemicals. Fumes and aerosols can also cause chemical burns . With acidic burns , the hazing of the cornea usually clears with a good chance of no permanent damage. Alkaline substances such as lime, lye found in commercial drain cleaners , and sodium hydroxide found in refrigeration equipment present the highest risk of permanent corneal damage. Ongoing damage may occur in spite of prompt treatment.
Risk factors are frequent contact with chemicals.
A foreign body such as dust or sand can enter the eye at any time. Certain occupations such as metal or wood working may have a higher risk. The injury may be limited to the conjunctiva and the cornea, or it may affect the sclera . Persistent pain and redness are indicators that professional treatment is needed. A foreign body may be a threat to sight if the object enters the eye itself or damages the cornea or lens.