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Why are alkali burns especially dangerous to the cornea?
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eye disease
An ophthalmologist performing LASIK eye surgery.
Alkali burns are particularly dangerous to the cornea because they possess the ability to rapidly penetrate and "melt" ocular tissue. Unlike some other chemical injuries, alkalisāsuch as ammonia, lye, and limeācause progressive and extensive destruction within the eye if they are not removed immediately.12
Because these substances quickly bind to ocular tissues, any delay in treatment to seek neutralizing agents is a serious error. The extent of the damage is largely determined by the duration of contact, making immediate and copious irrigation with water the essential first-aid response to prevent permanent vision loss or corneal perforation.21