Abstract

Purpose: To highlight the epidemiological aspects of ocular burns due to chuna/lime in children
Methods: A questionnaire study was conducted for all children who presented with ocular burns due to chuna to a single cornea specialist at a tertiary eyecare center between August and December 2022.
Results: Parents of 35 children (median age – 7 years) were administered the questionnaire, all of whom suffered accidental injuries. All
injuries occurred at home or close to home at a time when there was no parental supervision. All patients were from a rural setting. Out of 35 sets of parents, 19 (54%) were not aware of the harmful effects of chuna to the eye. Chuna was present either in packets (29, 83%) or in tubes (6, 17%).
Conclusions: More awareness regarding the deleterious effects of lime to the eye is required in a rural/semi-rural setting. Chuna should be kept in places that are inaccessible to children and should be disposed safely. Safer packaging with labelling are required.