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What facts have we acquired since antiquity on burns in general, and more particularly, on chemical burns of the eyes and skin? Throughout the course of history, how have we approached the treatment of thermal and chemical burns, up until the second half of the 20th century? The most current science has allowed us to better define the various etiologies of burns and the intimate mechanisms that constitute the tissue lesions. Recent advances in research on toxicological mechanisms and more systematic experiments with causal chemical agents in ex vivo models have allowed considerable progress in the initial management and subsequent treatment of ocular chemical burns. The concept of washing with more and more specific and active decontamination solutions is essential. At the same time, a more predictive classification of the extent of ocular injuries by ophthalmologists has rendered the protocols and treatment techniques more efficacious, profoundly transforming the prognosis of chemical lesions of the cornea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After review of the anatomy and histology of the cornea, the specific role of each layer is explained in detail, without forgetting the importance of the lachrymal secretions. The multilayered superficial epithelium as the first cellular barrier, the stroma with its structure of collagen sheets, and the endothelium as the regulator of corneal hydration are described. The absence of vascularization and, on the contrary, the abundance of innervation are emphasized. The regeneration mechanisms of the various tissues are elucidated, notably in view of the loss of corneal transparency and development of inflammatory phenomena which can follow chemical injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]