Citation

Gerber S, Frueh BE, Tappeiner C. Cornea 2011; 30(9): 1042-1044.

Affiliation

From the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/ICO.0b013e318206cad9

PMID

21642850

Abstract

PURPOSE:: To report a case of conjunctival proliferation in a 2.5-year-old boy after initial evidence of a mild chemical injury after ocular exposure to pepper spray (oleoresin capsicum). METHODS:: Case report with ophthalmologic and histologic findings. RESULTS:: A child presented with mild conjunctival injection and chemosis without any corneal erosion after direct exposure to pepper spray. Three weeks later, a significant conjunctival proliferation was found at the limbus, which was refractory to treatment with topical corticosteroids. Finally, proliferative tissue was surgically excised without clinical recurrence during 2 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:: We hypothesize that the young age of the patient may have been an important factor for the severe conjunctival proliferation in comparison to a mainly uncomplicated course of pepper spray injuries in most adults. We recommend the use of topical antiinflammatory treatment even in apparently mild pepper spray injuries, especially in young children.

Language: en