Dr. Ester Sekhose

Dr. JOGINDER PAL CHUGH, Dr. ASHOK RATHI, Dr. RAJENDRA SINGH CHAUHAN

Abstract

Potassium permanganate is a chemical compound usually classified as salt but when dissolved in water has basic properties. KMnO4 has several uses -in dermatitis, as chemical reagent, for preserving vegetable and fruits. KMnO4 when comes in contact with skin and mucous membrane causes it to burn and tissue turns brownish black. Here is a rare case of ocular injury with KMnO4 in a 5 years old girl brought to the Eye emergency with accidental exposure to KMnO4 left eye. There was inflammed eyelids and inability to open eye. Copious irrigation was done immediately.Examination under GA revealed corneal defect, limbal ischemia, conjunctival injection,and KmnO4 particles embedded in the conjunctival fornix with brownish staining of bulbar and palpebral conjunctiva. The particles were removed.Patient was put on topical steroids, antibiotics and cycloplegic eyedrops. To enhance the wound healing, amniotic membrane was applied. The ocular surface was restored and corneal transparency preserved.