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New research · Ophthalmology
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center) · 2d
Cohort studyProceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center) · 2026

Corneal abrasions in burn admissions: severity and geographic access factors in a retrospective cohort.

Bryce L Palmer, Cameron L Miller, Isaac T Edwards … Ariel Santos
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OphthalmologyCohort study

Corneal abrasions occur in about 1 in 20 burn center admissions.

Corneal abrasions in burn admissions: severity and geographic access factors in a retrospective cohort.

Bryce L Palmer … Ariel Santos
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center) · 2026
Background

Characterizing the incidence and determinants of corneal abrasions in burn patients and evaluating the roles of burn severity, comorbidities, and social determinants of health (SDOH) in shaping risk can inform screening and care.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to a regional burn center between January 1, 2019, and January 1, 2024.

n = 2023 patients
4.4%
Results
4.4%
4.4% of admitted burn patients had a corneal abrasion on exam.
n = 2023 patients
More results

They had greater total body surface area burned (17.5% vs 6.2%, P < 0.001) and longer hospitalizations, intensive care unit stays, and ventilation durations (all P < 0.001).

Abrasions were associated with inhalation injury (58% vs 19%, P < 0.001) and in-hospital mortality (18.9% vs 4.9%, P < 0.001).

More results

Patients with abrasions traveled farther (151 vs 121 miles, P = 0.02) and were more often from out of state (8.2% vs 3.6%).

No significant differences were found in SVI, ADI, or most comorbidities, though diabetes was less common (7.8% vs 16.4%, P = 0.04).

“
Conclusion · 1 of 3

Corneal abrasions occur in about 1 in 20 burn admissions and are strongly associated with burn severity and critical illness.

Conclusion · 2 of 3

Geographic distance and incomplete race documentation were additional risk factors, while SDOH indices and diabetes were not.

Conclusion · 3 of 3

These findings identify corneal abrasions as markers of systemic severity and health system disparities, supporting standardized eye-care protocols for high-risk burn patients.

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