Shattered vision: Unraveling the impact of the Exide battery blast on ocular health

Abstract

The patient developed severe symptoms of redness, pain, watering, and intolerance to light following an accidental Exide battery blast explosion. A 45-year-old male was diagnosed with a battery blast related to Grade 1 ocular surface burn. A patient with informed consent was enrolled. He was advised to use topical antibiotics, lubricating agents, topical steroid eye drops, and cycloplegic eye drops. He responded well to treatment and resolved in 3 weeks with complete restoration of vision in both eyes. The number of battery blast injuries to the eyes is increasing as a result of poor equipment and inadequate supervision (incorrectly and excessively charging batteries). It is essential to increase awareness throughout society regarding safe and proper equipment handling to reduce the incidence of preventable blinding trauma. Simple health education and more public awareness should be created to prevent such chemical injuries.