Long-term sequelae of isolated chemical "airbag" keratitis.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term sequelae of a case of bilateral chemical keratitis caused by airbag deployment.

METHODS

Case report and review of the literature.

RESULTS

A 21-year-old woman presented with bilateral reduced vision, photophobia, and tearing after a car accident. Examination revealed some facial burns and severe chemical injury to the cornea and conjunctiva. Immediate irrigation with physiologic saline solution and subsequent treatment with topical antibiotics, corticosteroids, and vitamin C resulted in full restoration of vision but could not prevent permanent corneal damage.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe alkali injury of the cornea generally has a good prognosis but can lead to permanent damage and persistent complaints of dry eye.