Overview of ocular complications in patients with electrical burns: an analysis of 102 cases across a 7-year period

Abstract

Background: Ocular complications from electrical burns are uncommon. Thus far, there has been no systematic review on ocular electrical trauma with emphasis on patients' ophthalmic complications and visual symptoms. Herein, we retrospectively analyzed records of patients with electrical injuries to summarize the ophthalmic characteristics and explore their relationships with visual symptoms.

Methods: We collected the medical records of 102 patients who consulted from 557 electrical burn patients between 2004 and 2010. Ophthalmic, systemic and demographic factors associated with electrical burns were identified in the patient who underwent the ophthalmic consultations. Two sets of comparisons were used to determine the demographic and systemic factors that were related to ophthalmic complications and the subjective outcome of visual impairment.

Results: There were 53 eyes (29 patients) with ophthalmic complication were identified. Corneal epithelial erosion was the most common ocular electrical injury and the primary reason for subjective visual symptoms. Electrical burns affecting the head and neck were significantly related to subjective symptoms of visual disturbances.

Conclusion: Present study indicates that earlier involvement of ophthalmologists in the case of any patient who has suffered a facial burn is advisable. Appropriate management would be helpful to prevent future complications and alleviate visual symptoms.

Keywords: Electrical burn; Ocular complications; Subjective outcome of visual symptoms.