Broken Bad

Methamphetamine has seen a boom in its production and use in the last 20 years, not to mention becoming the infamous star of a rather popular TV show. But in reality, the drug is often made in cramped, ill-equipped locations by individuals who lack the appropriate wet lab skills to be handling chemicals like anhydrous ammonia, sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid and lighter fluid – which means injuries, including severe ocular burns, are fairly common.

Physicians from the Cincinnati Eye Institute reviewed a series of cases where patients were referred to them for treatment of ocular injuries related to methamphetamine manufacturing-related accidents, with a focus on long-term management and outcomes. In the five patients who met the study criteria, it was found that compliance with treatment was the best indicator of a good outcome for patients (1). However, the researchers also cite issues with studying this subgroup of patients – they are often noncompliant with treatment, and are more likely to refuse to give a history or to provide incorrect information. The majority of patients with ocular burns resulting from methamphetamine production also lack health insurance, making their treatment more problematic.