Chemical injury to the eye from EMLA cream during erbium laser resurfacing.
BACKGROUND
EMLA cream is commonly used as a topical anesthetic by physicians performing dermatologic surgery.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to inform physicians that EMLA cream is highly alkaline and can be particularly toxic to the eye. Symptoms of eye irritation may be initially masked because of local anesthetic effects.


METHODS
Two patients are described who developed corneal abrasions from inadvertent exposure of the eye to EMLA cream prior to erbium laser resurfacing.


RESULTS
The patients developed corneal abrasions and conjunctivitis, consistent with chemical alkaline burns.


CONCLUSIONS
EMLA cream should be used with extreme caution near the eye and probably should be avoided when there is a need to insert laser eye shields.
Eaglstein
N F
NF
University of Florida, College of Medicine, Orange Park, Florida, USA.
D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003869:Dermabrasion / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D011318:Prilocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077442:Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; D011318:Prilocaine; D008012:Lidocaine