Eye burns due to accidental application of pharmacological or non-pharmacological substances packaged in plastic dropper bottles have been described for more than three decades and continue to occur. These burns can cause potentially serious injuries to the cornea.

The case is presented of a patient who applied salicylic acid to his right eye when he mistook the container for an ocular lubricant, which caused a serious corneal burn. Fortunately, after aggressive medical and surgical management (including oxygen therapy and amniotic membrane graft) the visual results were good.

It is suggested that educational campaigns be carried out and standards adopted in the country to avoid the packaging of corrosive substances in this type of dropper bottles, in order to reduce the risk of accidental burns.