Chemical injury to the eye from trichloroacetic Acid.
BACKGROUND
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is frequently utilized for chemical peeling by physicians practicing dermatologic surgery. Ocular complications from TCA have not been reported previously.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to underscore the irritating and corrosive effects of TCA on the eye.


METHODS
A patient is described who experienced seepage of 35% TCA into the eye during a chemical peel.


RESULTS
The patient developed marked conjunctivitis of the affected eye and abrasions involving 25% of the cornea.


CONCLUSIONS
TCA must be applied carefully around the eyes to avoid ocular complications, which albeit rare, can be quite grave if not addressed in a timely manner.
Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63141, USA.
Jason F
JF
Fung
Roberta D
RD
Sengelmann
Cynthia Z
CZ
Kenneally
D002615:Chemexfoliation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*
D014238:Trichloroacetic Acid