title: [Ocular burns caused by latex from manchineel trees].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study is to enter on an inventory and to appreciate the severity of the ocular burn caused by the latex of manchineel tree and to propose a therapeutic attitude.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report on the results of a prospective study included 11 patients examined in the Department of Ophthalmology (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Fort-de-France) between November 1992 and November 1993. All of them presented with ocular burn due to a contact with the latex of the manchineel tree.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study included 11 patients, 8 adults and 3 children, the mean age was 22.9 years (range 4-40). All of them had hyperhemia and conjunctival erosions of various intensity. Ten patients had corneal lesions: superficial punctate keratitis in 5 cases and corneal ulcers in 5 cases. Three cases of corneal ulcerations were associated with an inflammatory reaction of the anterior segment. Both eyes were affected in 4 cases (37%), and only the right one in the other cases (63%). Seven patients had cutaneous lesions (63%), of whom 4 periocular burns of superficial second degree. Full recovery was obtained within 15 days for all the patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ocular lavage is the first treatment, as for all chemical burns. Local antibiotherapy is used systematically to prevent superinfection. With a proper treatment, a complete recovery with no sequelae is obtained.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Merle
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trode
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Richer
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ayeboua
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Sainte-Rose
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002057:Burns, Chemical; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008395:Martinique; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014197:Trees
chemical_list: D007840:Latex
vernacular_title: Brûlures oculaires par le latex de mancenillier.