DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2025.v13i10.060

Pages: 2448-2451

Purpose: The aim of our work is to demonstrate the need for medical staff to be made aware of the non-use of 7.1% chlorhexidine digluconate in the eye, in order to prevent serious accidents which can inevitably lead to functional and total loss of vision. Patient and method: This was a 4-month-old male infant, the 2nd of 4 siblings, all in good health. His parents took him to their local integrated health center for an ophthalmological consultation. Instead of a consultation with a health worker from the health center matron, out of ignorance on her part, suggested that the parents use chlorhexidine digluconate for ocular application, which led to total and definitive corneal opacity in the hours following application, causing inevitable blindness. Conclusion: Accidental use of chlorhexidine on the eyes, or use of chlorhexidine without knowledge of the product, will inevitably have serious consequences for eyesight. Staff must therefore be made aware of the precautions for use in order to prevent avoidable blindness caused by its use.