Rare chemical injuries: A case of ocular superglue instillation in Port Harcourt

Abstract

Background: Ocular superglue injury is uncommon all over the world. Aim: To report a case of self-inflicted accidental ocular superglue injury. Methods: A case of ocular injury is described in a 29-year-old adult, following inadvertent instillation of superglue instead of a prescribed steroid ointment into the right eye, in the dark. Results: There was matting of the upper and lower lid margin and eyelashes precluding view of the ocular structures. The eyelids were separated by gently peeling off the superglue from the lids and lid margins. The glue-matted eye lashes were trimmed and the glue on the cornea and conjunctival surface was gently removed. Subsequently, a corneal ulcer was seen which was managed with topical antibiotics, systemic analgesics, and vitamins. Conclusion: Similarity between the tubes of eye ointments and household superglue accounts for the accidental eye injury.