Studies in the Reaction of the Eye to Thermal, Chemical and Radiational Hazards

Leishman, Robert (1948) Studies in the Reaction of the Eye to Thermal, Chemical and Radiational Hazards. MD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Chemical injuries are often described as burns, a term which, in its more general application, is used to include the lesions produced by physical as well as chemical agencies. In order to apply the experience gained in the relatively limited field of chemical injuries to the more usual types of ocular burn met with in civilian hospital practice, it was decided to make an analysis of all cases of burns of the eye occurring in a large hospital population. I am indebted to Professor Riddell for placing at my disposal for this purpose, the case-records of all patients examined on account of ocular conditions in the Tennent Institute, Western Infirmary, and I have taken the opportunity of putting clinical impressions to the test by applying statistical methods in this analysis. This forms the subject matter of Part 1, together with a short discussion of a group of cases of accidental injury to the eyes caused by mustard gas vapour. I am again indebted to Professor Riddell for access to his records of these cases, originally prepared for the Ministry of Supply. The Second World War gave an impetus to the study of the biological effects of certain chemical substances which were considered potentially useful in warfare. I was fortunate in having the opportunity to take part in experimental research designed to determine the effects of such substances on the eyes of animals. If was undesirable for obvious reasons, that the results of these experiments should be published during the war, but restrictions have now been removed and the work is incorporated in Part 2 of this Thesis. The available literature has been reviewed and assessed in the light of my own experience. Certain papers selected for more detailed consideration are presented in Part 3. A discussion of ocular burns with particular reference to the theoretical and biological aspects of the subject is based on observations contained in the preceding parts. This forms the final section.

• Item Type: Thesis (MD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Medicine, Ophthalmology
• Date of Award: 1948
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1948-79673
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 04 Mar 2020 15:41
• Last Modified: 04 Mar 2020 15:41
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/79673