Corneal injury due to a calcium hydroxide containing food preparation product ("cal").
Alkaline chemicals can cause severe ocular injury, leaving the victim with significant visual impairment. Calcium hydroxide is a strong alkali present in some household products. We report a case of corneal alkali burns in a 5-year-old boy due to calcium hydroxide powder ("cal") used in preparation of corn masa. Prompt recognition of "cal" as calcium hydroxide will allow the practitioner to appropriately render effective treatment.
Schmidt
Suzanne M
SM
Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. suzyschmidt@sbcglobal.net
Schmidt
Clair J
CJ
Adler
Mark
M
Rahmani
Bahram
B
D002057:Burns, Chemical / Q000628:therapy*; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide / Q000506:poisoning*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005126:Eye Burns / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011208:Powders
D011208:Powders; D002126:Calcium Hydroxide