DR. SATYABRATA JENA

DR. GAYATRI DEVI PALO, PROF PRASANTA KUMAR NANDA

Abstract

In the year 2020-21,due to COVID-19,use of alcohol based sanitizer is increased as a protective measure.It contains 60-95 % alcohol.

The aim of our study is to determine the incidence of ocular exposure to alcohol based hand sanitizer and its outcome.

An observational study on all patients attending the ophthalmology OPD in a tertiary care centre during August 2020 to July 2021,who presented with sanitizer induced ocular injury were studied.They were categorised according to the age,sex,nature of ocular manifestations and mode of exposure.

Results showed children have higher chances of getting ocular exposure to alcohol based sanitizer accidentally.Men have higher chances of getting the same as compared to women.Majority of them experienced itching,redness,watering and some showed epithelial defect.They were treated adequately and all of them recovered.

Prevention is always better than cure.Patients should be made aware about the proper way of using alcohol based sanitizer.