Men’s experiences of chemical attacks on the eyes in North East England

Quick-read summary

Chemical burns through the throwing of acid or alkali substances can cause potentially serious blinding eye injuries and constitute a true ocular emergency requiring immediate treatment often resulting in permanent unilateral or bilateral visual impairment or blindness, often associated with chronic discomfort or pain.

In North East England, these attacks are becoming more common, particularly in communities facing high levels of social deprivation.

This research explored men’s experiences of chemical eye attacks and their lives afterwards. The study was based on in-depth interviews with men who had been treated in hospital following an attack.

The findings show that these attacks are often linked to ongoing local disputes rather than random violence. Survivors described permanent eye damage, fear of further attacks, and lasting anxiety.

The research highlights gaps in support after hospital treatment and shows the need for better prevention, long-term care, and recognition of the wider social conditions linked to this form of violence.

Who is this evidence useful for?

Healthcare providers: ophthalmologists, A&E staff, and healthcare professionals dealing with chemical burn victims.
Social care and mental health professionals: those supporting victims of violence and helping with trauma.
Crime prevention teams: local councils, police, and policymakers working on violence reduction.
Victim support and advocacy groups: organisations that support victims following an attack.

What is the issue?

Chemical attacks on the eyes involve corrosive substances being thrown at someone, causing extreme pain and sometimes permanent vision loss.

In North East England, these attacks are occurring more frequently and are concentrated in areas facing social and economic disadvantage.

The harm caused goes beyond physical injury. Survivors often experience anxiety, fear, and major changes to their daily lives, but this psychological impact is often overlooked.

Research summary

13 interviews were completed with 14 respondents (including two brothers interviewed together) over a six-month period in 2023
Participants were identified through clinical records of ocular chemical injury consistent with reported assault within the previous three years.
Interviews explored how the attacks happened, their impact, and experiences of support and justice

What did the research find?

Chemical eye attacks were often linked to local disputes and ongoing tensions
Survivors experienced long-term physical and psychological harm
Many felt resigned to the violence and had little confidence in the criminal justice system
Support after emergency medical treatment was limited

Why is this important?

The research shows that chemical eye attacks are not isolated incidents but part of wider patterns of harm linked to inequality.

While emergency eye care is effective, survivors often receive little long-term emotional or social support. Without this, the impact of the attack can last for years.

Understanding survivors’ experiences is essential for improving care, prevention, and responses to violence in deprived communities.

How were people/community groups/patients involved in this work?

Men with lived experience of chemical eye attacks took part in interviews and shared their personal experiences.

Recommendations for policy and practice

Improve access to long-term psychological support for survivors
Recognise chemical eye attacks as both a health and social issue
Strengthen prevention efforts, including control of corrosive substances
Address the wider social conditions linked to violence in deprived communities

What happens next?

Further research is needed to explore prevention strategies and long-term support for survivors. The research team plan to share findings with health services, policymakers, and violence prevention organisations.

Acknowledgements

This research involved a collaboration between Newcastle, Northumbria and Bristol Universities and Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Royal Victoria Infirmary) Ophthalmology Department.

The study was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) North East and North Cumbria.