Thermal Corneal Burn

An acute superficial thermal corneal burn results from direct contact of radiant energy. Once the heat source is removed, the remaining heat dissipates and the corneal epithelium sustains damage but Bowman’s layer and all underlying layers of the cornea remain untouched. The burn can be diagnosed by a detailed slit lamp evaluation and the use of sodium fluorescein to stain and highlight breaks in epithelial cell junction integrity. Typical presentation will include grey-white loosened corneal epithelium with an associated abrasion and limbal injection if the limbus remains undamaged or limbal blanching if the limbus has been affected. Acute superficial thermal burns can be successfully managed by utilizing suitable topical treatment enhanced by bandage contact lenses as a tool to ameliorate patient comfort during the healing process.