During emergency irrigation of an alkali burn, copious lavage has been running for several minutes. What objective finding determines that irrigation can be stopped?

• A Complete resolution of conjunctival injection
• B Return of visual acuity to baseline
• C Disappearance of corneal epithelial haze
• D Neutral pH of the conjunctival fornix confirmed with litmus paper, rechecked after a further interval ✓

Explanation

Irrigation continues until the pH of the conjunctival sac measures approximately 7.4 on litmus paper, and the reading must be rechecked after 10 to 15 minutes because retained particulate matter, especially lime, releases alkali continuously. Conjunctival redness, corneal clarity, and vision do not reflect residual chemical activity and are unreliable endpoints. Double eversion of the lids to remove particulate matter accompanies this step.

Reference: Parsons' Diseases of the Eye, 23rd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.