Sequelae of carbide-related thermo-chemical injury: A retrospective analysis

PURPOSE: To describe the outcomes of eyes with calcium carbide (CaC(2))-related thermo-chemical injury. METHODS: This study included 28 eyes of 23 patients who presented with calcium carbide-related ocular burns. Only patients with more than three months of follow-up were included. Group A included 16 eyes with Dua’s Grade I–III burns, while Group B included 12 eyes with Grade IV–VI burns. Electronic medical records were reviewed to provide data on the etiology of burn, presenting clinical signs and visual acuity, sequelae, and surgical interventions performed, both in the acute and chronic phases. RESULTS: The overall mean age was 28.48 ± 11.8 years. Fifteen patients were injured while using carbide to create an explosion to scare away animals on farms. The median presenting BCVA (best-corrected visual acuity) in Group A (20/160) was significantly better than in Group B [(20/2000) (P = 0.002)]. Five eyes in Group A and one eye in Group B underwent medical management. There was no difference in the duration of follow-up for both groups (P = 0.24). The median final BCVA in Group A (20/32) was significantly better than in Group B [(20/200) (P = 0.02)]. Two eyes in Group A and nine eyes in Group B developed LSCD. Two eyes in Group B were phthisical at the last visit. CONCLUSION: Calcium carbide-related ocular injuries can result in significant visual morbidity in young adults. Early presentation and management may improve outcomes. Prevention of these injuries by increasing awareness and increasing advocacy efforts is necessary.