Pediatric Eye Injuries by Hydroalcoholic Gel in the Context of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Key Points

Question  Is there an increase in severe ocular lesions associated with alcohol-based hand sanitizer exposures in children since March 2020?

Findings  In this national retrospective review from the French Poison Control Centers, a 7-fold increase of alcohol-based hand sanitizer-related ocular exposures in children was found in comparison with 2019, and a pediatric ophthalmology center reported 13% of patients requiring surgery for severe lesions.

Meaning  These findings support that, despite the importance of alcohol-based hand sanitizers for controlling the spread of coronavirus disease 2019, these agents should be used with caution and likely kept away from young children.