Ocular findings in volcanic fog induced conjunctivitis.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the ocular signs and symptoms of patients complaining of eye irritation due to volcanic fog (vog).

METHODS

The study utilized a non-comparative, retrospective chart review of 30 patients who had a chief complaint of eye irritation, which the subjects attributed to vog. Ocular signs and symptoms are described and related to the ambient concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO(2)), particulate matter sized 2.5 microns (PM(2.5)), and vog visibility in O'ahu during the period of the study.

RESULTS

Ocular signs noted were conjunctival injection (100%), clear mucous discharge (100%), papillary reaction (100%), punctal edema (80%), eyelid swelling (73.3%) and chemosis (63.3%). Ocular symptoms were itchiness (100%), foreign body sensation (100%), tearing (96.6%) and burning sensation (90%). All patients had concurrent respiratory symptoms. During the period of study, the highest 24-hour average concentration of particulate matter sized 2.5 microns (PM(2.5)) was 49.04 µg/m(3) and vog was visually present.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients complaining of eye irritation due to vog have observable ocular signs and symptoms.