Corneal injury due to a calcium hydroxide containing food preparation product ('cal').

摘要

Alkaline chemicals can cause severe ocular injury, leaving the victim with significant visual impairment. Calcium hydroxide is a strong alkali present in some household products. We report a case of corneal alkali burns in a 5-year-old boy due to calcium hydroxide powder ("cal") used in preparation of corn masa. Prompt recognition of "cal" as calcium hydroxide will allow the practitioner to appropriately render effective treatment.