Ocular Chemical Injury: Role of Amphoteric Agents as an Alternative Irrigating Solution

Abstract

Chemical eye injury is a true ocular emergency that requires a prompt decision and immediate management by using an irrigating solution to the eye. The development of a new solution, such as amphoteric agents are now used in comparison to conventional agents. This type of solution reacts rapidly with both acids and alkalis. It also has hypertonic properties, thus resulting in milder corneal edema and mobilizes the diffusion of corrosive agents out of the eye structure. Several studies indicated that the amphoteric solution had significantly better clinical and ocular outcomes compared to other irrigation fluids. Irrigation using amphoteric agents found to shorten the time of corneal reepithelization in Grade I-II chemical eye injury. It also resulted in a better outcome for visual acuity, pain intensity, severity of the injury, and less further complications. In conclusion, prompt eye irrigation using the amphoteric solution shown as a better alternative in chemical ocular injury. Thus, its usage may be suggested for future management for chemical eye injury.