Chemical burns occur when a child gets any type of chemical in
his/her eye. This is a medical emergency, and the child should
receive immediate medical care. Chemical burns can result in a
loss of vision and even a loss of the eye itself, if not treated
promptly and accurately. Household cleaning agents are a common
cause of this type of injury. The following are the most common
symptoms of chemical burns in the eye. However, each child may
experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: Severe
pain in the eye Burning of the eye Tearing of that eye The
symptoms of chemical burns of the eye(s) may resemble other eye
conditions or medical problems. Always consult your child's
doctor for a diagnosis. Diagnosis is usually made after a
complete medical history and physical examination of your
child's eye. Local anesthetic drops in the eye may be used in
order to examine the child. Specific treatment for chemical
burns in the eye will be determined by your child's doctor based
on: Your child's age, health, a