Skip main navigation

Cookies Notification

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. By continuing to browse the site, you consent to the use of our cookies. Learn More
×

SEARCH GUIDE  Download Search Tip PDF File

  • articleNo Access

    CORNEAL TOXICITY ASSOCIATED WITH AMMONIA EXPOSURE INVESTIGATED BY FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY

    Chemical injury to the eye is still an important cause of blindness and serious complications. Gaseous ammonia combines with tissue water to form ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH). This exothermic reaction results in both heat and chemical burns. Although, over the years, the different biological effects of anhydrous ammonia are well known, its ocular effects are less clearly documented. This study reports the corneal structural alterations that may be induced as a result of ammonia exposure (gas or liquid) that was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The resulted IR spectra were analyzed using the band enhancement procedure. The obtained data clearly indicate that there are different structural and conformational changes (includes lipids and proteins) as the method of exposure to the ammonia differ, and due to the increased ammonia occupational exposure, there is an insistent need for the development of ophthalmic medications.