BOMBILE (Blast of Mobile Battery in the Living Eye) refers to the effects of a lithium battery explosion on the eye.
Devices which have had lithium batteries explode in the face:
(1) mobile phone
(2) vaping device
Cause of explosion: thermal runaway, which can be the consequence of a contact between the electrodes, exposure to the flammable electrolyte in the battery pack, and the presence of oxygen.
Risk factors:
(1) using a device while charging
(2) low-quality product
(3) using the phone while wet
(4) leaving the phone under glass while exposed to sunlight, especially in the summer
(5) physical abuse of the device sufficient to damage the case
A blast releases caustic chemicals, thermal energy and flying debris.
Eye injuries may include:
(1) chemical injury of the conjunctiva and/or cornea
(2) thermal burn of the conjunctiva and/or cornea
(3) corneal epithelial defects with ulceration and/or perforation
(4) penetration of the globe
These injuries can result in
(1) loss of visual acuity that ranges from temporary to blindness.
(2) corneal scarring or opacity
(3) bacterial or fungal inrection
(4) possibly glaucoma
In addition to the eyes, other facial structures may suffer blast injury.
