Ocular Exposures Reported to Poison Control Centers from 2011 to 2015

Abstract Purpose Identify and characterize the ocular exposures reported to poison control centers over a five-year period from 2011 – 2015 in the United States. Design Pooled cross-sectional study Subjects Callers to poison control centers Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 477,274 calls for ocular exposure to the National Poison Data System. Main Outcomes Measures Major medical outcomes, reason for exposure, location of exposure, and causative xenobiotic were evaluated. Results A mean volume of 95,454 calls per year were reported to poison control centers, with most exposures occurring unintentionally, at home and predominantly in children under five years of age. Most serious adult exposures occurred at work due to alkali exposures. There was an increasing incidence in exposures in those over 64 years old. The most common treatment provided was irrigation and wash for the affected eye. Conclusions Children under five are most susceptible, may have permanent disability due to laundry detergent exposure, and concerted intervention is needed in this age group. Many serious adult exposures occurred at work due to alkali exposures.