Studies of alkaline ocular burns : changes on the amount of alkaline substance after penetrating

Rabbit corneas were brought into contact with 1 or 5N of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH) to induce experimentally severe alkaline ocular burns. PH of the aqueous humor or vitreous body was determined at various times to investigate the oermeability of these alkalis in the coeneas and various other intraocular sites, such as the anterior chamber (surperficial and deep sites), posterior chamber and vitreous body. Further, the content of potassium (K) in the burned cornea was determined by fluorescent X-ray analysis. The results were compared with the content of K in normal corneas to determine how long the alkaline substsnce acting on the cornea could produce its alkaline effect and whether its duration was influenced by concentration of antion. In addition, using pH in the anterior chamber after burns and the content of K in the burned cornea as a means of measuring, I assessed the effects of profuse and continuous irrigation and paracentesis as primary care and reached the following results. 1, If NaOH and KOH are applied at the sa,e concentration, the permeability is the same. 2, The penetrating speed of these alkalis thourh the cornea os very high (within seven to eight second) regardless of the concentrations of action. Further, a larger amount of alkalis is incorporated in the anterior chamber in the earlier stages of injuries. 3, The intraocular permeability of these alkalis depends on the concentrations of action. Briefly, each alkali shows higher permeability, reaches deeper sites and cause severe tissue demage when applied at higher concentrations. 4, The content of the alkali (K) in the cornea was higher in the earlier stages of injuries and decreased with time. Further, its content was higher and prolonged with increasing concwntrations of alkalis. 5, The effect of profuse or continuous irrigation to lower the pH in the anterior chamber is influenced by the time when it is started, but not by the concentrations of action. Briefly, its effect is increased in the earlier stages of an injury, but lost almost completely 20minutes after receiving injuries. Irrigation was more effective in reducing the alkaline substance which penetrated into the cornea when performed within 30minutes after an injury. The effect of paracentesis to the lower pH in the anterior chamber is higher in the earlier stages of an injury. Futher, it is influenced by the concentrations of action and decreased with increasing concentrations.