Day 5: Cornea Injuries

(12-01-2023) with Diane N. McCleery (RN, BSN,COA,COT,COMT)

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Review of Patient:

Skin burns to 22% of body, Respiratory tract inhalation injuries, burns to both eyes, left eye most severe, 85% vision loss due to caustic chemical exposure

When a patient comes to the ER and something is messed up with their eye these are the symptoms they will encounter: complained of severe burning sensation in both eyes, refuses to open eyes voluntarily, continuous tearing of both eyes, conjuntiva both eyes very redden, eyelid is red and swollen, and cornea appears somewhat opaque rather than translucent.

What will the Initial Treatment? pH test will be performed (showed 10.8), morgan lens applied and saline flush begins, flush continued until the pH level reaches 7.0-7.4, saline ophthalmic ointment.

What is the Treatment Plan? You should patch the eyes for several days, if healing is not taking place then further sloughing of cornea is evident, corneal transplant is deemed necessary for pain relief and to restore normal vision.

NOTE: OTHER REASONS FOR CORNEA TRANSPLANTS WHICH WILL INCLUDE KERATOCONUS

Locating a Replacement Cornea:

You receive these from organ donors, the donor eye must be free from all infections or abrasions, donor is usually similar in age, biosynthetic or pig corneas are currently in clinical trials but not yet available for use in the United States.

Post Op Progress:

We practiced a Cornea Surgery on a grape. We practiced cutting the Cornea out and then trying to stitch it back together.