A system for classifying mechanical injuries of the eye (globe). The Ocular Trauma Classification Group

Risk Factors for Development of Endophthalmitis after Open Globe Injury in Children: A Case-Control Study

AIM

To identify risk-factors for developing endophthalmitis following open globe injury (OGI) in children.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-center, case-control study of children aged <18 years who sustained OGI.

RESULTS

Our cohort of 93 eyes consisted of 30 cases (Group A- endophthalmitis) and 63 controls (Group B- no endophthalmitis). Twenty-four eyes (80%) diagnosed with endophthalmitis presented after 24 hours of injury. The presence of central corneal zone-1 injuries (Odd ratio [OR]: 6.64, p= 0.001) and vitreous in wound (OR: 3.53) were associated with the risk of developing endophthalmitis. (p= < 0.05) Additionally the presence of iris prolapse (OR: 4.76) and posterior capsular rupture (PCR) (OR: 5.80) increased the risk of developing endophthalmitis.(p <0.05) . Streptococci was isolated in 15 eyes, Pseudomonas in 3 eyes, and Candida in 1 eye. The visual outcomes at three months were significantly worse in Group A (LogMAR 1.77±1.06) compared to Group B (LogMAR 0.65±0.68)(p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Central corneal involvement, vitreous/ iris incarceration and PCR were important risk factors for development of PTE in children.

Guideline for the treatment of no light perception eyes induced by mechanical ocular trauma

Severe mechanical ocular trauma with no light perception (NLP) predicts a poor prognosis of visual acuity and enucleation of the eyeball. Since the innovative treatment concept of exploratory vitreoretinal surgery has developed and treatment technology has advanced, the outcomes of severe ocular trauma treatment in NLP patients have greatly improved. However, there remains a lack of unified standards for the determination, surgical indication, and timing of vitrectomy in NLP eye treatment. To address these problems, we aimed to create evidence-based medical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of mechanical ocular trauma with NLP. Sixteen relevant recommendations for mechanical ocular trauma with NLP were obtained, and a consensus was reached. Each recommendation was explained in detail to guide the treatment of mechanical ocular trauma associated with NLP.

Clinical spectrum and functional outcome of firearm pellet-related eye injuries: A prospective follow-up study

PURPOSE

To determine the prognostic significance of various clinical features and surgical techniques concerning anatomical and visual outcomes in shotgun pellet-inflicted ocular trauma.

METHODS

This prospective follow-up study was done at a tertiary care institute in Kashmir, India. Six hundred sixty-four eyes of 643 patients with firearm pellet-related ocular trauma were followed up for 6 months.

RESULTS

Ocular injury involved one eye in 622 (96.7%) patients and both eyes in 21 (3.3%) patients. Open globe injury (OGI) occurred in 451 (67.9%) eyes with perforating injury being the commonest type (248 eyes, 54.9%). For perforating injuries, entry wounds in the cornea and limbus had the worst prognosis. Closed globe injury (CGI) occurred in 213 (32.1%) eyes. An anatomical success rate of 66.3% (n = 250) was achieved for 56.8% (377/664) eyes requiring an average of 2.8 (SD 0.5) surgeries per eye. OGI was associated with poor outcomes in 259 (57.4%) and CGI with good outcomes in 200 (93.9%) eyes. The visual outcome had a significant association with grade and zone of injury both in OGI and CGI, and with the type of injury in OGI (p < .0001 each). Ocular trauma score (OTS) had a significant association with the degree of vision impairment (p < .0001). WHO category 0 visual impairment was seen in 270 (40.7%) eyes, category 1 in 85 (12.8%), category 2 in 35 (5.3%), category 3 in 30 (4.5%), category 4 in 172 (25.9%), and category 5 in 72 (10.8%) eyes irrespective of type of injury at 6 months post-treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The perforating injury was the commonest type of injury caused by shotgun pellets. The site of the entry wound in perforating injury had prognostic significance. The outcome was generally poor in OGI and good in CGI.

Globe and Adnexal Trauma Terminology Survey

Importance

Ocular trauma terminology should be periodically updated to enable comprehensive capturing and monitoring of ocular trauma in clinical and research settings.

Objective

To update terminology for globe and adnexal trauma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A 2-round modified Delphi survey was conducted from January 1 to July 31, 2021, using an expert panel, including 69 ophthalmologists identified through their membership in ophthalmology (globe and adnexal trauma) societies. Consensus was defined as at least 67% expert agreement. A steering committee developed questions after identifying gaps in the current terminology via a targeted literature review. Round 1 sought consensus on existing and newly proposed terminology, and round 2 focused on unresolved questions from round 1. Experts included ophthalmologists who had managed, on average, 52 globe or adnexal trauma cases throughout their careers and/or published a total of 5 or more globe or adnexal trauma-related peer-reviewed articles.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Expert consensus on ocular and adnexal terms.

Results

A total of 69 experts participated in and completed round 1 of the survey. All 69 participants who completed round 1 were asked to complete round 2, and 58 responses were received. Consensus was reached for 18 of 25 questions (72%) in round 1 and 4 of 7 questions (57%) in round 2. Existing Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology system terminology achieved consensus of 84% (58 of 69 experts) in round 1 and 97% (56 of 58 experts) in round 2. Experts agreed on the need for further refinement of the definition of zones of injury (55 of 69 [80%]), as the zone affected can have a substantial effect on visual and functional outcomes. There was consensus that the mechanism of injury (52 of 69 [75%]) and status of the lacrimal canaliculi (54 of 69 [78%]), nasolacrimal ducts (48 of 69 [69%]), lens (46 of 58 [80%]), retina (42 of 58 [73%]), and central and paracentral cornea (47 of 58 [81%]) be included in the revised terminology.

Conclusions and Relevance

There was consensus (defined as at least 67% expert agreement) on continued use of the existing Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology system definitions and that additional terms are required to update the current ocular trauma terminology.

A modified pediatric ocular trauma score for predicting visual outcome post open globe injury

PURPOSE

To construct a new pediatric ocular trauma score for predicting visual outcome after open globe injuries (OGI) and to compare it to the ocular trauma score (OTS) and pediatric ocular trauma score (POTS).

METHODS

This is a retrospective chart review study. For each case, the following data were collected: demographics, mechanism of the injury, initial ophthalmologic findings, presented and last follow-up visual acuity (VA), ocular treatments, and final ocular findings. We then analyzed the risk factors for the poor visual outcome (VA ≤ 20/200), and a modified pediatric ocular trauma score (MPOTS) was constructed accordingly and compared to the OTS and POTS for predicting poor outcome. Finally, a different cohort of pediatric OGIs was used for score validation.

RESULTS

Forty-five cases were included, significant predicting factors for poor visual outcome were initial VA ≤ 20/200, zone 2-3 locations of injury, presence of retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, hyphema, and iris prolapse at initial presentation. The calculated Spearman correlation coefficients between each system score and poor visual outcome were OTS 0.56, POTS 0.57, and MPOTS 0.64 (P < 0.001 for all). A total of 71 new cases were used as validation cohort, and calculated Spearman correlation coefficients between each system score and poor visual outcome were: OTS 0.50, POTS 0.51, and MPOTS 0.53 (P < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest a new scoring system for predicting poor final visual outcomes after OGI's in children, which is simpler and more clinically suitable for this study population. It was found to be a better predictor of visual outcome in this scenario compared with existing scoring systems.

Treatment of Mechanical Corneal Wounds Emergencies during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Absorbable 10-0 Vicryl (Polyglactin 910) Sutures as a Suitable Strategy

Background—The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our standard practices: operating rooms were only available for functional emergencies and outpatient visits were drastically reduced in favor of telemedicine. Aim: To report the personalized “one-shot” surgery using absorbable 10-0 Vicryl (V10-0) or polyglactin 910 monofilament in mechanical corneal injuries from February 2020 to December 2021. Methods—Prospective case series with at least 12-months’ follow-up, in a French university hospital. Among the overall population of open or closed-globe emergencies (n = 40), non-penetrating corneal lamellar lacerations (long axis > 2 mm) in zone 1 (OTC group) were treated with V10-0 suture(s) (n = 10), replacing traditional non-absorbable 10-0 nylon suture(s) or medical options in first line. The outpatient visits were performed on day (D)10, month (M)2, M6 then every six months. One interim visit by phone teleconsultation was scheduled between D10 and M2, and other(s) as needed. The main outcome was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at M6. Secondary outcomes included mainly corneal astigmatism (CA) at M6 complications. Results—Among the ten corneal wounds, there were three children (30%), eight domestic accidents (80%), three eyes with metallic foreign bodies (30%), four open-globe injuries (40%), and nine eyes that received high-speed projectiles or sharp objects (90%). The complete V10-0 suture(s) absorption occurred in all eyes between D10 and M2. At M6, mean far and near BCVA decreased from 0.680 ± 0.753 and 0.490 ± 0.338 preoperatively to 0.050 ± 0.071 and 0.220 ± 0.063 logMAR (p = 0.019 and p = 0.025 respectively), mean CA decreased from 4.82 ± 3.86 preoperatively to 1.15 ± 0.66 diopters (p = 0.008). BCVA and CA were unchanged thereafter. No serious adverse event nor repeated surgery occurred. The mean number of teleconsultations was 1.20 ± 0.63 without an additional nonscheduled outpatient visit. Conclusions—The absorbable V10-0 sutures might be a safe and effective alternative for eligible corneal wounds, while reducing the number of outpatient visits, especially for children (no suture removal). The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that they are ideally suited to logistical challenges.

The clinical features and the factors affecting visual prognosis in pediatric open-globe ınjuries

PURPOSE

To investigate clinical features and factors affecting visual prognosis after pediatric open-globe injuries.

METHODS

Retrospective study of 223 children with open-globe injury was conducted. Children with final logMAR visual acuity (LVA) > 0.70 were determined as poor-vision group (group 1, n = 108) and those with final LVA ≤ 0.70 as good-vision group (group 2, n = 115). Demographic characteristics (age, gender, and damaged eye), time between trauma and surgery, ocular trauma score (OTS), follow-up time, injury size, initial and final visual acuity levels, injury type (penetrating injury, globe rupture, perforating injury, and intraocular foreign body injury), injury localization (zone 1 = within the corneal and/or limbal area, zone 2 = within the scleral area extending 5 mm back from the limbus, and zone 3 = within the area posterior to zone 2), injury cause [metal objects (fork, knife, needle), broken glass, blunt objects (ball, punch), pen-pencil, and unidentified objects], and accompanying ocular findings of the groups were detected, and comparisons were done. Additionally, effects of age, time between trauma and surgery, OTS, injury size, follow-up time, initial LVA, injury type, and injury zone on final LVA were analyzed in both groups.

RESULTS

Mean age was 9.1 ± 2.0 years. There were 151 males and 72 females. Compared to group 1, group 2 had better initial and final visions (1.21 ± 0.26 vs 0.60 ± 0.28, p < 0.001 for initial LVA; 1.00 ± 0.32 vs 0.30 ± 0.13, p < 0.001 for final LVA), greater OTS (1.72 ± 0.53 vs 3.73 ± 0.61, p = 0.025), and smaller injury size (10.4 ± 3.5 vs 5.8 ± 2.4 mm, p = 0.002). Globe rupture (p = 0.015) and relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) (p = 0.037) were higher in group 1, while penetrating injury (p = 0.044), zone 1 involvement (p = 0.038), and metal object injury (p = 0.041) were higher in group 2. Based on multivariate analysis, the presences of globe rupture (p = 0.024) and RAPD (p = 0.035), the involvement without zone 1 (p = 0.042), and the injury without metal object (fork, knife, needle) (p = 0.046) were associated with poor final vision. Final LVA (for group 1 and group 2) was negatively correlated with OTS (r =  - 0.398, p = 0.037; r =  - 0.369, p = 0.040), while positively correlated with injury size (r = 0.412, p = 0.031; r = 0.318, p = 0.046) and initial LVA (r = 0.335, p = 0.043; r = 0.402, p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

In our study, poor prognostic factors affecting final vision were low OTS, poor initial vision, the presences of globe rupture and RAPD, the large injury size, the involvement without zone 1, and the injury without metal object (fork, knife, needle).

Pediatric traumatic cataracts: 10-year experience of a tertiary referral center

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing final visual acuity in pediatric traumatic cataracts.

Methods

Data of patients who presented with traumatic cataracts were reviewed retrospectively. We evaluated age at trauma; gender, trauma type, cause, and zone; duration between the time of trauma and cataract surgery; surgical method used; time, location, and type of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation; initial and final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA); amblyopia rate; and complications.

Results

In all, 61 eyes of 59 patients aged < 16 years with cataracts after trauma were included. The mean age of the children was 7.2 ± 3.9 years. Primary IOL implantation was performed in 70.9% of eyes. The BCVA was 0.7 LogMAR or better in 5.9% of the 49 eyes in which the visual acuity could be measured at the time of trauma and in 69.1% of 55 eyes in which it could be measured after treatment. Evaluation of factors potentially influencing the final visual acuity revealed that eyes that had undergone posterior capsulotomy (PC) and anterior vitrectomy (AV) during cataract surgery had significantly better final visual acuity compared with eyes that did not undergo these procedures.

Conclusions

In children with posttraumatic cataracts, final visual acuity was not affected by patient age and gender; trauma type, cause, and zone; duration between the time of trauma and cataract surgery; surgical method used; and time, location, and type of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Improvements in the final BCVA could be seen only by PC + AV combined with lens aspiration with or without IOL implantation. However, this approach of amblyopia treatment needs to be confirmed by more comprehensive and prospective studies.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-022-02427-6.

Ocular Cat Bite Injury: A Case Report and Literature Review

Ocular injury related to cat bites is rare, and no proper guidelines have been suggested for the treatment of such injuries. We report a rare case of zone II penetrating ocular injury secondary to a cat bite. A 49-year-old lady presented with left eye pain following a cat bite over the left eye, which occurred four hours prior to the presentation. Immediate primary closure with intravitreal antibiotic injections was given. Systemic and topical antibiotic treatments were administered. Presenting visual acuity was hand motion, which improved to 20/20 at six months follow-up. Throughout this period, there were no signs of endophthalmitis. Prompt and effective antibiotic administration with early surgical intervention contributed to a good visual prognosis in this case.

A 10-year analysis of traumatic open-globe injuries in Edmonton, Canada, from 2009-2018

PURPOSE

To identify and characterize the incidence and correlates of open-globe injuries documented at the Eye Institute of Alberta (EIA) at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton.

STUDY DESIGN

A 10-year single-centre retrospective chart review.

METHODS

All patients who underwent traumatic open-globe injury repair at EIA from January 2009-December 2018 were identified using key search terms. Charts were individually assessed for key demographic variables, including mechanism and location of injury. Patterns in open-globe injury incidence over the 10-year period and across demographics were assessed using Poisson regression. Associations between key demographic variables also were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 551 traumatic open-globe injuries were treated at the EIA from January 2009-December 2018, resulting in an average of 4.63 injuries per month over the 10-year period. Mean patient age was 42 ± 21.56 years. The number of males (n = 442) presenting for open-globe injury repair was 3.9 times higher than that for females (n = 114). Among patients for whom use of eye protection was recorded (n = 186), only 11% reported using eye protection at the time of the trauma. The incidence rate of injuries with zone 3 involvement was significantly higher in males (41.4%) than in females (29.8%).

CONCLUSION

Open-globe injuries remain a significant source of ocular morbidity at EIA, averaging just over 1 emergency case a week. Given the strong association with sex and the infrequent use of eye protection, targeted public health strategies are necessary to mitigate the risk of these sight-threatening injuries.

Fireworks ocular injury in Saudi children: profile and management outcomes

To explore the demographic profiling, causes, types, complications, management outcomes, and severity of fireworks-inflicted ocular injuries in children in KSA. This is a retrospective study of 115 cases with eye injuries managed at the Emergency Department, of our institution between 2003 and 2019. Demography, clinical features at presentation, mode of management and the Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated at the last follow up. The study included 117 eyes of 115 children [median age: 9 years; 96 (83.5%) boys;19 (16.5%) girls]. Fifty-six (48.7%) participants were bystanders. The injuries were caused mainly due to bangers (n = 47; 40.9%), rockets in bottle (n = 28; 24.3%), firecrackers (n = 27; 23.5%), and nonspecific reasons (n = 13; 11.3%). The children had presented with various severity levels: corneal abrasion (n = 52; 44.4%); cataract (n = 47;40.2%); penetrating injury (n = 40; 34.2%); secondary glaucoma (n = 22;18.8%); subluxated lens (n = 19;16.2%); limbal stem cell deficiency (n = 14;12.0%); Iridodialysis (n = 12;10.3%), and vitreous hemorrhage (n = 11;9.4%). Management interventions of the eyes under study included: penetrating injury repair (n = 40; 34.2%), lens removal plus intraocular lens implantation (n = 26; 22.2%), removal of foreign body (n = 9; 7.7%). The BCVA after six months was 20/20 to 20/60 in 49 (41%) cases; 20/70 to 20/200 in 27 (23.1%) cases; < 20/200 to 20/400 in 7 (6%) cases, and < 20/400 in 34 (29.1%) of the cases. Out of 51.3% eyes with < 20/200 before management, only 35% recorded severe visual impairment. Fireworks-related eye injuries were mainly observed in boys primarily due to the use of bangers. Visual disability remained in one-third of the managed cases.

Comparison of Two Scoring Systems in Pediatric Open Globe Injuries

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to determine the demographic characteristics of pediatric open globe injuries, evaluate the ocular trauma scores (OTS), and predict the visual outcomes.

METHODS

All patients with pediatric open globe injuries who applied to Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University between January 2018 and December 2019 were included in this study. Age, gender, type of injury, time of admission, time to surgery, OTS, and pediatric ocular trauma score (POTS) were calculated for each patient. The relation between these findings and final visual acuity (VA) after 12 months of follow-up was examined.

RESULTS

Forty-two eyes of 41 patients were included in this study. The most common injuries observed were sharp objects such as knives (23.8%) and stones (23.8%). The wound locations were zone I in 36 patients (85.7%) and zone II in 6 patients (14.3%). The most common concomitant eye pathologies were iris prolapse in 37 (88.1%) and hyphema in 29 (69.1%). The mean original OTS was 77.21 and the mean POTS was 46.78. Association between OTS/POTS and final VA was very good (Kendall Tau-b = 0.665, P < 0.001, Kendall Tau-b = 0.505, P < 0.001, respectively). The level of agreement between the predicted VA for OTS and that for POTS was almost perfect (kappa = 0.8726).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the original OTS is still the gold standard in pediatric cases.

Epidemiological characteristics and prognostic factors of post-traumatic endophthalmitis

Objective

To examine the prognostic factors and features of post-traumatic endophthalmitis.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled adult patients (>18 years old) diagnosed with post-traumatic endophthalmitis. Their medical records were reviewed and the patient demographic characteristics, features of injury, management, outcomes and microbiology data were analysed.

Results

A total of 131 eyes from 131 patients were enrolled. Post-traumatic endophthalmitis was more common in male patients (122 of 131 patients: 93.1%), in those aged 30–44 years (51 of 131 patients: 38.9%), in those injured with a metallic object (86 of 131 patients; 65.6%), in those with a penetrating injury (90 of 131 patients; 68.7%) and those that were injured at work (106 of 131 patients; 80.9%). The mean ± SD time of presentation to the hospital and developing endophthalmitis was 40.60 ± 19.32 h and 5.19 ± 2.55 days, respectively. Of the cultures, 84 of 131 (64.1%) were negative and 22 of 131 (16.8%) were positive for Staphylococcus species. Patients with delayed presentation, an intraocular foreign body, traumatic cataract, retinal detachment, larger wounds, positive smears and cultures and work-related injuries had worse outcomes.

Conclusion

Immediate presentation to an ophthalmic centre and timely diagnosis and intervention may lead to better outcomes.

Global Current Practice Patterns for the Management of Open Globe Injuries

PURPOSE

To determine global current practice patterns for the management of open globe injuries and identify areas of variation.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

An online survey assessed global management paradigms for open globe injuries from August 2020 to January 2021. Responses were collected from experts at eye trauma centers and emergency departments worldwide who manage ≥1 open globe injury per month. The survey assessed the use/selection of antibiotics and steroids, procedural and imaging decisions, and admission practices for open globe injuries.

RESULTS

Responses were received from representatives of 36 of 42 institutions (85.7%), of which 33 (78.6%) had sufficient trauma volume to be included. Included responses were distributed across North America (n=12, 36.4%), Asia (n=12, 36.4%), South America (n=4, 12.1%), Africa (n=3, 9.1%), Europe (n=1, 3.0%), and Australia (n=1, 3.0%). Preoperative systemic antibiotics for open globe injuries were administered by 75.8% (n = 25/33) of institutions, while 30.3% (n = 10/33) administered preoperative topical antibiotics. Intraoperative ophthalmic antibiotics for open globe injuries were used by 54.5% (n = 18/33) of experts. Most institutions also administered postoperative systemic antibiotics (n = 23 [69.7%]) and topical steroids (n = 29 [87.9%]), although specific medication choices diverged. At 19 responding centers (61.3% of the 31 that had trainees), residents participated in surgical repairs. Many institutions discharged patients after repair, but 54.5% (n = 18/33) of locations routinely admitted them for observation.

CONCLUSIONS

Preferred management practices for open globe injuries vary widely. To ensure the highest standard of care for all patients, evidence-based international guidelines for the treatment of these injuries are needed.

Pediatric Open Globe Injury in a University-Based Tertiary Hospital in the Anatolian Region

Objective: Evaluation of the epidemiological and clinical features of pediatric open globe injury. Methods: Medical records of 51 patients under the age of 18 who presented to the emergency department with open globe injury (OGI) between 2009 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. Patient demographics, Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology (BETT) category, pediatric ocular trauma score (POTS), visual acuity (VA), site of injury, and seasonal distribution were evaluated. Results: Of all patients included, 40 (78.4%) were male, 11 (21.6%) were female, and the mean age was 9.6±5.2 years. Zone I injury was detected in 31 (60.8%) patients. The most common cause of injury was sharp objects such as metal or wood splinters. Of all injuries, 29 (56.9%) occurred outdoors. Ocular trauma occurred more frequently in boys, especially in the summer months. Initial VA was less than 0,1 in 21 (41.2%) of the patients, between 0.1-0.5 in 9 (17.6%) and 0.6 and above in 5 (9.8%) patients. At the final visit, VA was less than 0.1 in 9 (17.6%) patients, 0.1-0.5 in 10 (19.6%) patients, and 0.6 and above in 18 (35.3%) patients. Final VA was related to the Zone and was lower as the Zone increased (p:0.011). VA and POTS scores were positively correlated at the final visit (p=0.001). Conclusion: It is substantial for emergency physicians to have a comprehensive understanding of pediatric globe injuries so that children with suspected ocular trauma should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist to prevent medicolegal problems.

Pediatric Open Globe Injury in Tertiary Hospitals of Khobar and Dhahran

Background

Every year, 3.3 to 5.7 million eye injuries occur worldwide in children. Open globe injury is a common type of trauma that leads to blindness in all age groups. This study aimed to review and discuss the epidemiology, causes, and clinical outcome of pediatric open globe injury.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of all pediatric open globe injuries presented to King Fahad Hospital of the University and Dhahran Eye Specialist Hospital was conducted between 2010 and 2020. Data analyses were done to identify factors predicting ultimate visual acuity.

Results

The overall number of cases was 502, of which 120 cases were children and of the documented 118 cases, around 82 (69.5%) were males with an average age of 5.1 years. The traumatic object was sharp in 90 (89.1%) cases. The most common object was glass, presented in 18 (18.4%) cases. Most injuries were accidental (68.9%) and 48 (71.6%) cases out of 67 occurred inside the house. The factors associated with better visual outcome (20/40 or better) were sharp injuries, absence of hyphema, absence of vitreous hemorrhage, trauma with intraocular foreign body, undergone one operation, and absence of cataract at presentation.

Conclusion

The ultimate visual outcome post open globe injury could be predicted from the severity of the presenting signs. Also, the household environment carries the highest risk, hence it is not always a safe haven for children. Thus, childproofing the house and adult supervision is advisable.

Role of Socioeconomic Status (SES) in Globe Injuries: A Review

Globe injury is a serious worldwide public health issue frequently leading to permanent vision impairment. The plethora of different types of globe injuries is classified into categories, including open and closed globe injuries. Globe injury occurs mainly in the workplace and at home, affecting predominantly middle-aged working men. Socioeconomic status (SES) is defined by income level, educational attainment, and employment status. Low socioeconomic status has been associated with a higher incidence of globe injury and can be utilized to identify at-risk populations. For managing open and closed globe injuries, different strategies are applied and the implementation of adequate globe injury prevention measures is needed for reducing the occurrence of globe injury. The following article aims to provide an overview of globe injury characteristics and their correlation with socioeconomic status and to highlight the significance of considering SES as a variable in globe injury prevention.

Epidemiology of Pediatric Open Globe Injuries in a University Hospital in Thailand

Objective: To describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and clinical outcomes of pediatric traumatic open globe injuries and to determine the risk factors for poor visual outcome.

Methods: The medical records of patients aged younger than 15 years of age who were diagnosed with open globe injuries from January 2005 to December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients’ demographic data were collected, including age, sex, injury date, place of injury, mechanism of injury, cause of injury, and the activity related to the injury. Clinical data were recorded, including initial visual acuity (VA), wound size, wound location, associated ocular findings at presentation, and complications. The prognostic factors for a poor visual outcome were assessed.

Results: In total, 46 pediatric patients were included in this study. The mean age was 6.8 years old. Most patients were male (65.2%). The most common type of injury was penetrating injury (60.9%) and mostly occurred during playing (60.9%). Household appliances/furniture and scissors/knives were common causes of injuries (17.4%, 15.2%, respectively). Poor final VA worse than 6/60 was found in 17 patients (37%). Wound location and retinal detachment (RD) at the time of presentation were significant prognostic factors for a poor visual outcome according to the univariate analysis (p = 0.008, <0.001). Only wound location at zone II and III was found to be significantly correlated with poor final VA in the multivariate analysis (adjusted risk ratio (RR) = 2.87, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.26-6.55, p = 0.012). Traumatic cataract was the most common associated injury (45.7%).

Conclusions: One-third of pediatric patients with open globe injuries had a poor visual outcome. Wound location at zone II and III significantly correlated with a poor visual outcome in pediatric open globe injuries. The parents and caregivers should be made aware of the seriousness of open globe injuries in order to prevent children from possible injuries.

Relationship of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio With Visual Acuity After Surgical Repair of Open Globe Injury

Purpose: To assess the relationship and prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with poor final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after surgical repair of open globe injuries (OGI) in adults.

Design: Retrospective analysis of data from an ongoing prospective cohort of consecutive patients.

Methods: In a tertiary university hospital, 197 eyes of 197 patients were included between 2013 and 2017. NLR and PLR were obtained from pre-operative blood tests to analyze its relationship with poor final BCVA.

Results: Severe visual impairment (SVI) was defined as ≤20/200, and was observed in 96 (48.7%) patients after surgical repair of OGI. SVI patients had higher NLR (7.4 ± 6.6 vs. 4.0 ± 3.2, p < 0.001), and PLR (167 ± 92 vs. 139 ± 64; p = 0.021) than non-SVI. NLR ≥ 3.47 and PLR ≥ 112.2 were the best cut-off values for SVI, were univariate risk factors for SVI, and had sensitivity: 69.0, 71.4, and specificity: 63.6, 44.8, respectively. In multivariate analysis, only OTS, athalamia, and hyphema remained as risk factors. NLR had significant correlation with ocular trauma score (OTS) (r = −0.389, p < 0.001) and final BCVA (r = 0.345, p < 0.001).

Limitations: Simultaneous trauma in other parts of the body that could influence the laboratory findings.

Conclusion: Patients with SVI after a repaired OGI had increased pre-operative NLR and PLR levels. High NLR and PLR are risk factors for SVI in univariate analysis. It is confirmed that low OTS is a risk factor for SVI. High NLR and PLR could be used as a prognostic tool to identify patients at higher risk for SVI after repair of OGI.

Open-globe wounds in operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom: risk factors for poor visual outcomes and enucleation

PURPOSE

To determine the rates and types of open-globe wounds in soldiers admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 2001 to 2011 after sustaining combat injuries.

METHODS

Data were collected in the Walter Reed Ocular Trauma Database. Inclusion criteria were patients who suffered open-globe injuries. Open-globe injuries were classified by type of wound: corneal, corneo-scleral or scleral, or type of open-globe injury: perforating, rupture, penetrating or intraocular foreign body. The primary analysis assessed the effect on final visual acuity (VA) and the risk of enucleation.

RESULTS

In this study, 285 (32.02%) open-globe injuries were recorded in 890 eyes in the data set. Corneal wounds were noted in 127 (44.56%) eyes, corneo-scleral wounds in 78 (27.37%) and scleral wounds in 129 (45.26%) eyes. The involvement of both the corneal and sclera was associated with poorer visual outcome (BCVA < 20/200) compared to injuries with an injury confined to either the cornea or scleral alone (p = 0.038). At a wound length of greater than approximately 14 mm, patients had 75% chance of having a poor final VA. Enucleation was performed in 64 (22.46%) eyes of patients with wounds. The type of wound was not found to be predictive of enucleation in multivariate analysis, but rather the type of open-globe injury was predictive. Perforating (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.43-1.72) and globe rupture injuries (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.33-1.66) were more likely to undergo enucleation.

CONCLUSIONS

Open-globe injuries occur frequently in combat ocular trauma. Poor final VA was noted most with corneo-scleral wounds with approximately 50% of patients having a final VA less than 20/200.

POSTERIOR SEGMENT INJURIES IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM AND OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM: 2001 to 2011

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

To characterize the nature of posterior segment ocular injuries in combat trauma.

METHODS

Eyes in the Walter Reed Ocular Trauma Database were evaluated for the presence of posterior segment injury. Final visual outcomes in open-globe versus closed-globe injuries and by zone of injury and the types of posterior segment injuries in open-globe versus closed-globe injuries were assessed.

RESULTS

Four hundred fifty-two of 890 eyes (50.8%) had at least one posterior segment injury. The mechanism of injury was most commonly an improvised explosive device in 280 (62.0%) eyes. Sixty-one patients (13.5%) had a Zone I injury, 50 (11.1%) a Zone II injury, and 341 (75.4%) a Zone III injury. Patients with Zone I injuries were more likely to have a final visual acuity of 20/200 or better compared with patients with either a Zone II (P < 0.001) or Zone III injury (P = 0.007). Eyes with a closed-globe injury were more likely to have a final visual acuity of 20/200 or better compared with those with an open-globe injury (P < 0.001). Furthermore, closed-globe injury compared with open-globe injury had a lower risk of vitreous hemorrhage (odds ratio 0.32, P < 0.001), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (odds ratio 0.14, P < 0.001), and retinal detachment (odds ratio 0.18, P < 0.001) but a higher risk of chorioretinal rupture (odds ratio 2.82, P < 0.001) and macular hole (odds ratio 3.46, P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Patients with combat ophthalmic trauma had similar posterior segment injury patterns to civilian trauma in open-globe versus closed-globe injuries. Zone II and III injuries were associated with a worse visual prognosis.

Value of ocular trauma score in predicting the incidence of secondary glaucoma after closed globe injury

AIM

To analyze the visual acuity (VA) and the incidence of secondary glaucoma among patients with closed globe injury (CGI). To determine the correlations between the ocular trauma score (OTS) with surgery rate, and evaluate the applicability of OTS in secondary glaucoma prediction and treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of 265 patients (265 eyes) with CGI admitted to Xijing Hospital between January 2014 and December 2016. The clinical characteristics; VA, IOP, injury zone, surgery, and IOP-lowering medications were collected at the initial visit and at six months. The patients with secondary glaucoma were scored and assessed by the OTS system. The correlation of the anti-glaucoma surgery with the OTS was evaluated. The difference in the number of IOP-lowering medications between the initial visit and six months was analyzed.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 33.5 ± 20.7 years with 80.8% being males. The final VA outcome improved in its totality after treatment. 35 patients developed glaucoma, with an incident rate of 13.2% over six months. All glaucoma patients had an injury in zone I and II, and 12 of them had an injury in zone III. The severity of the OTS category showed a strong correlation with the anti-glaucoma surgery rate. After the surgical intervention, the number of IOP-lowering medications in OTS category 2, 3, and 4 significantly reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

The OTS has predictive value in the incidence of secondary glaucoma after CGI. A patient with a low score is more likely to develop secondary glaucoma and might require surgical intervention.

Ophthalmic Trauma Correlation Matrix (OTCM): a potential novel tool for evaluation of concomitant ocular tissue damage in open globe injuries

PURPOSE

To introduce a novel tool to investigate the correlation between concomitant injuries and primary open globe injury (OGI) in the setting of ophthalmic trauma, the "Ophthalmic Trauma Correlation Matrix" (OTCM).

METHODS

Retrospective cohort review, performed at a tertiary referral eye care center in Eastern Nepal, involving all eyes with OGI meeting the inclusion criteria from 2015-2018. Clinical data including details of primary injury, concurrent injuries, and clinical course were noted from hospital medical records. A correlation matrix chart was devised using matrix correlation and Pearson's correlation coefficient. This chart was then used to evaluate the association of the various injuries in the setting of OGI.

RESULTS

A total of 109 eyes with OGI were included. Majority of the eyes (78, 71.6%) had zone I injuries, while most of the eyes (66, 60.6%) had penetrating injury. The most frequent concomitant injuries in all zones of OGI were traumatic lens injury (77, 70.64%), followed by hyphema (48, 44.03%), and vitreous hemorrhage (35, 32.11%). The most common concomitant injury associated with zone I was hyphema (0.873), while traumatic subluxation/cataract (0.894) and vitreous hemorrhage (0.972) were commonly associated with zone II and III, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

OTCM could be a useful tool to manage injuries related to the primary ocular injury. This additional information will aid in the prognostication, planning, and management of OGI and potentially prevent repeat surgeries and inadequate treatments.

Orbito-Cranial Gunshot Injuries with Retained Sinonasal Bullets

Introduction

Gunshot injuries to the sino-orbital region are rare. In South Africa, where gunshot injuries are common, sino-orbital gunshot injuries are encountered. Sino-orbital gunshot injuries are associated with trauma to surrounding facial and intracranial structures. Therefore, the management of these injuries may be complex and often requires an interdisciplinary approach.

Aims

To review the management of orbito-cranial gunshot injuries with retained sinonasal bullets.

Patients and methods

Three cases of orbito-cranial gunshot injuries with retained sinonasal bullets were reviewed. Two cases were complicated by cerebrospinal fluid leaks with ensuing meningitis. The retained bullets in all three cases were successfully removed via a transnasal endoscopic approach.

Conclusion

Sino-orbital gunshot injuries are rare, but may be encountered in areas with high frequencies of gun violence. An associated anterior skull base fracture with CSF rhinorrhoea poses a risk for meningitis and a low threshold for diagnosis and treatment of meningitis should be maintained. Retained bullets in the paranasal sinuses do not pose an immediate risk and may be removed on an elective basis.

Clinical Characteristics, Visual Outcomes, and Prognostic Factors of Open Globe Injuries

Background and Objectives: Open globe injuries (OGI) remain an important cause of visual impairment and loss, impacting all ages. A better understanding of the factors influencing visual outcomes is important in an attempt to improve the results of the treatment of OGI patients. The author aimed to contribute to this knowledge with the analysis of clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and visual outcomes of their cohort of OGI patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective medical record review was performed for 160 patients (161 eyes) who sustained an open globe injury between January 2015 and December 2017 and presented to the Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. Data analyzed included age, sex, type, cause, place of OGI, initial visual acuity (VA), final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and tissue involvement. Open globe injuries were classified using the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology (BETT) and Ocular Trauma Classification System (OTCS). Univariate analysis was conducted to evaluate the prognostic factors. Results: The mean age of the patients was 41.9 years. The male-to-female ratio was found to be 8.4:1. The home was the leading place of eye injury (59.6%), followed by an outdoor environment (14.3%) and workplace (11.8%). Penetrating injury accounted for 43.5%, followed by intraocular foreign body injury (39.1%) and globe rupture (13%). Overall, 19.5% of patients regained a good final vision of ≥0.5, but for 48.1% of them, eye trauma resulted in severe visual impairment (BCVA ≤ 0.02). In the univariate analysis, a bad visual outcome of less than 0.02 was correlated with bad initial VA, iris dialysis, hypotony, vitreous hemorrhage, and vitreous prolapse at presentation. Phthisis bulbi was correlated with eyelid laceration, iris prolapse, iris dialysis, hyphema, vitreous prolapse, vitreous hemorrhage, and choroidal rupture at initial examination. Conclusions: Open globe injury remains an important preventable cause of ocular morbidity. This study provides data indicating that open globe injuries are a significant cause of visual impairment in our research group.

The Upper Paralimbal Zone is Especially Susceptible to Ruptures Due to Blunt Trauma

BACKGROUND

Globe ruptures are ophthalmological emergencies where the primary diagnosis using a slit lamp is often a challenge.

OBJECTIVES

The retrospective case study aimed to characterise the predilection sites, the demographic profile and the causes of bursts due to blunt globe trauma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The surgical plan of the Eye Centre of the Medical Centre (University of Freiburg) was electronically searched using the keyword "globe rupture" over a period of 18 years (2000 - 2018). This led to 350 hits, which were scrutinised by hand. 134 globe ruptures due to blunt globe trauma were then identified.

RESULTS

The most common predilection sites were the upper nasal and the upper temporal paralimbal zones with 37 and 32% of the examined globe ruptures, respectively. The average age at the time of rupture was 60 (from 2 to 97) years. The median age was 62.5 years. 37% (49/134) of patients were female. The most frequent causes of accidents were falls (43%), "flying" wooden and metal objects (18%) and acts of violence (10%).

CONCLUSIONS

Special attention should be paid to the upper paralimbal zone in the exploratory primary care of globe ruptures. If the rupture occurred due to "flying" wooden and metal objects, the posterior sclera burst most frequently. The epidemiological data suggest that targeted prevention against falls for individuals over 60 years and consistent wearing of protective eyewear when working with wood or metal could reduce the incidence of bulbar bursting. It was also noticeable that acts of violence were the third most frequent cause of rupture, although woman did not report that they were affected by this. Given the high occurrence of violence against women, shame and stigma may lead to an incorrect inquiry about the cause of the accident. This could be mitigated by training employees specifically to take a sensitive history.

Reliability of the ocular trauma score for the predictability of traumatic and post-traumatic retinal detachment after open globe injury

AIM

To elucidate the question of whether the ocular trauma score (OTS) and the zones of injury could be used as a predictive model of traumatic and post traumatic retinal detachment (RD) in patients with open globe injury (OGI).

METHODS

A retrospective observational chart analysis of OGI patients was performed. The collected variables consisted of age, date, gender, time of injury, time until repair, mechanism of injury, zone of injury, injury associated vitreous hemorrhage, trauma associated RD, post traumatic RD, aphakia at injury, periocular trauma and OTS in cases of OGI.

RESULTS

Totally 102 patients with traumatic OGI with a minimum of 12mo follow-up and a median age at of 48.6y (range: 3-104y) were identified. Final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was independent from the time of repair, yet a statistically significant difference was present between the final BCVA and the zone of injury. Severe trauma presenting with an OTS score I (P<0.0001) or II (P<0.0001) revealed a significantly worse BCVA at last follow up when compared to the cohort with an OTS score >III. OGI associated RD was observed in 36/102 patients (35.3%), whereas post traumatic RD (defined as RD following 14d after OGI) occurred in 37 patients (36.3%). OGI associated RD did not correlate with the OTS and the zone of injury (P=0.193), yet post traumatic RD correlated significantly with zone III injuries (P=0.013).

CONCLUSION

The study shows a significant association between lower OTS score and zone III injury with lower final BCVA and a higher number of surgeries, but only zone III could be significantly associated with a higher rate of RD.

Profile and Management Outcomes of Fireworks-Related Eye Injuries in Saudi Arabia: A 16-Year Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Fireworks are a culturally significant part of celebrations in many parts of the world but can lead to blinding injuries.

OBJECTIVE

To decipher the profile and management outcomes of fireworks-related eye injuries at a tertiary eye hospital in central Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of cases with fireworks-related eye injuries managed at our institution between 2003 and 2019. Demographic information, clinical features at presentation, mode of management, and visual outcome were evaluated at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 155 eyes of 150 patients with a median age of 10 years [127 male (84.7%) and 69 (46%) right eyes, 76 (50.7%) left eyes, and 5 patients with bilateral injury] were enrolled for the study. Among the injured individuals, 59 (39.3%) were bystanders and 91 (60.7%) had ignited the fireworks. The fireworks included bangers (53; 35.3%), rockets in bottle (42; 28%), firecrackers (41; 27.3%). Closed globe injury (CGI) was the most common type of eye injury (100; 64.5% eyes) while Open globe injury (OGI) was noted in (55; 35.5% eyes). Management used for treatment included penetrating injury repair (55; 35.5%), lens removal/lens implant (51; 32.9%). Corrected distance visual acuity obtained after 6 months was 20/20 to 20/60 (74; 47.7%), 20/70 to 20/200 in (31; 20%), <20/200 to 20/400 in (9; 5.8%) and <20/400 in (41; 26.5%) eyes. Treatment was able to restore vision and salvage blindness in 50 (32.3%) eyes.

CONCLUSION

Mainly males were found to suffer from fireworks-related eye injuries and the main fireworks responsible for them were bangers. Visual disability remained in one-third of the treated patients.

Ocular trauma in counter insurgency and proxy war environment: Epidemiological study, 1992-2004

Background

To analyze the epidemiology of hospitalized ocular injuries occurring in counter insurgency and proxy war environment in a forward area of northern India over a period of 13 years.

Methods

Retrospective observational study of medical records was performed of 458 patients with ocular injuries primarily treated at zonal referral hospital of Indian Army between January 1992 and December 2004.

Results

A total of 559 eyes with ocular injuries were studied. The average age of the victims was 30 years. In 77% cases, injuries were sustained by army personnel and remaining by paramilitary forces. Of all cases, 86.5% cases were due to combat-related (militant action), of which 93.9% cases were caused by splinters from munitions. Among the eyes injured due to militant action, 60.36% were open globe injuries, 31.19% were closed globe injuries and 8.45% were isolated adnexal injuries. Among the eyes injured, 76.33% of the eyes with open globe injuries owing to militant action had perforating injuries, whereas in closed globe injuries, 47.74% eyes had corneal foreign body. Among eyes with open globe injuries, Corneo-scleral, scleral and corneal lacerations were seen in 45%, 28% and 27% eyes respectively. 15.75% of eyes with ocular injuries underwent eviscerations.

Conclusion

The study reveals that splinter eye injuries from munitions were the most common cause of ocular morbidity in counter insurgency and proxy war. Implementation of use of protective glasses by the personnel deployed in such hostile environment and strict compliance of preventive measures would be effective in saving eyes and also medical and economic resources.

The Ruptured Globe, Sympathetic Ophthalmia, and the 14-Day Rule

PURPOSE

Prophylactic enucleation of a ruptured globe with no light perception within 14 days of injury to prevent sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) has been an established dictum in academic teaching for more than 100 years. This treatment strategy was originally based on observation, speculation, and careful thought, but there was never any scientific proof. This review summarizes and updates the current state of our knowledge about globe rupture and SO, examines the origin and validity of the 14-day rule, and emphasizes the importance of trying to save the traumatized eye whenever possible.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review of SO and globe rupture was performed.

RESULTS

SO is a rare disorder that may potentially occur following traumatic globe rupture as well as following a variety of other intraocular surgeries. Vitreoretinal surgery may be a more common cause than trauma according to some studies. SO may still occur despite having the eye removed within 14 days of the trauma. A variety of new medications including biologic agents are now available to treat SO with improved efficacy in suppressing the associated ocular inflammation and allowing retention of some useful vision. Removing the traumatized, blind eye may have other important psychological consequences associated with it that require consideration before eye removal is carried out. Retaining the blind, phthisical, disfigured eye avoids phantom vision and phantom pain associated with enucleation as well as providing a good platform to support and move an overlying prosthetic eye. Data on the occurrence of SO following evisceration and enucleation with and without predisposing factors confirms the exceedingly low risk.

CONCLUSION

Most civilian open globe injuries can be successfully repaired with modern, advanced microsurgical techniques currently available. Because of the exceedingly low risk of SO, even with the severity of open globe trauma during military conflicts being more devastating as a result of the blast and explosive injuries, today every attempt is made to primarily close the eye rather than primarily enucleate it, providing there is enough viable tissue to repair. The 14-day rule for eye removal after severe globe ruptures is not scientifically supported and does not always protect against SO, but the safe time period for prophylactic eye removal is not definitively known. In the exceptional cases where SO does occur, several new medications are now available that may help treat SO. We advocate saving the ruptured globe whenever possible and avoiding prophylactic enucleation to prevent the rare occurrence of SO. When an eye requires removal, evisceration is an acceptable alternative to enucleation in cases that do not harbor intraocular malignancy.

Ocular trauma in an urban Spanish population: epidemiology and visual outcome

AIM

To describe epidemiological aspects, clinical findings, and visual results in eye trauma patients requiring urgent surgery at a tertiary hospital.

METHODS

Retrospective review of adult patients requiring urgent surgery for trauma to the eyeball from January 2010 and April 2020. Data was collected relative to age, gender, mechanism of the injury, type of wound, initial and final visual acuity, number and type of surgeries carried out. Injuries were classed according to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology (BETT) and the Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) categories.

RESULTS

The survey included 92 eyes. Mean age was 54.76±22.18y. The most frequent cause was domestic accidents (44.6%), followed by aggression (22.80%) and occupational accidents (17.4%). Trauma from aggression was more frequent in men (P=0.006) and accidents in the home more common in women (P=0.011). Patients over 65y presented an odds ratio (OR) of 10.71 for suffering a domestic accident. Patients between 15-45 and 46-65y were at higher risk of trauma from aggression (OR=17.52 and OR=10.94, respectively). As for the type of injury, 63.04% were open-globe lesions, Zone II being the most frequently affected (27.2%). In Logistic regression analysis, old age (P=0.05) and retinal involvement (P=0.001) were found to be associated with higher rate of unfavourable visual outcome.

CONCLUSION

The epidemiological aspects of eye trauma are highly dependent on the area of population studied. Domestic accidents are more relevant than workplace accidents in older urban areas with high socio-economic status. A better knowledge of the epidemiological characteristics is useful for implementing specific prevention measures and appropriate treatment strategies.

Axial or coronal CT scan; which is more accurate in detection of open globe injury?

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare the accuracy of axial versus coronal computerized tomography (CT) scan in detection of open globe injury.

METHOD

In this retrospective study, records of 61 patients with open and 72 patients with closed globe injury were reviewed. One experienced ophthalmologist and one neuroradiologist read the orbital CT scans and accuracy of the axial and coronal planes in detecting open globe injuries were compared. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated and compared for axial and coronal planes.

RESULT

The most common CT finding reported by the readers through the interpretation chart was scleral irregularity (70%), followed by dislocation of the crystalline lens (54%) and vitreous hemorrhage (51%). The sensitivity of axial, coronal and combined CT planes were 74%, 65%, and 79%, respectively. There was no significant difference between axial and coronal CT scans for detecting open globe injuries (P value=0.075), independent of the type and the location of the globe injury. For posterior injuries and sharp trauma, the sensitivity of coronal plane in detecting open globe injury was significantly lower, compared to axial and combined readings (P value=0.012 and 0.015, respectively). There was a near perfect agreement between readers for all CT scan readings with a Kappa value of 0.9.

CONCLUSION

Axial CT reading may be as adequate as a multiplanar reading in detection of open globe injury in emergency setting, where timely diagnosis matters. Without clinical and surgical findings, CT cannot provide adequate accuracy for detecting open globe injuries.

Evaluating the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the intraocular fluid of COVID-19 patients

PURPOSE

To detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in aqueous and vitreous humor of COVID-19 patients in a pilot study.

METHODS

: Consecutive patients planned for emergency ophthalmic surgeries after ocular trauma were subjected to naso-oropharyngeal RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. Laboratory-confirmed cases were enrolled for the study. During surgery, 0.1 mL aqueous and vitreous each was aspirated. The vitreous tap was collected on clinical suspicion of endophthalmitis. RT-PCR test was used to detect SARS-COV-2 nucleotide in the samples. Cycle threshold (Ct) for E gene of ≤35 along with confirmatory results on one of the two target genes (RdRp or ORF1b) was considered as positive.

RESULTS

: One hundred and thirty two patients were found positive on naso-oropharyngeal RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 preoperatively. Seven patients with ocular trauma were studied. The mean age was 31.8 years. There were six male and one female patient. Two patients had symptoms of mild COVID-19 disease and the rest were asymptomatic. The mean Ct value of the E gene on naso-oropharyngeal RT-PCR was 23.14 ± 4.7. Corneal and corneoscleral laceration repair was done in five patients, intracorneal wooden foreign body was removed in one patient, and injection of intravitreal antibiotics was done in one patient. Aqueous and vitreous tap was collected in 7 and 5 patients, respectively. None of the aqueous or vitreous samples was found positive for SARS-CoV-2.

CONCLUSION

: SARS-CoV-2 was not detected by RT-PCR in aqueous or vitreous humor in this pilot study. Future studies with a larger sample size are needed to further explore the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in intraocular fluids.

Characteristics of open eye injuries in the Beirut Port explosion

INTRODUCTION

On the 4^th of August 2020 an ammonium nitrate explosion took place at the Port of Beirut in Lebanon. The aim of this study was to present the open eye injuries caused by the Beirut Port blast, and to describe their characteristics and visual outcomes at 6 months.

METHODS

Patients who suffered from open globe injuries during the Beirut port explosion were recruited. Characteristics of the ocular injuries and best corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded at presentation and at 6 months.

RESULTS

All included eyes (23 eyes of 19 patients) suffered from penetrating open globe injuries secondary to glass material and were operated by globe exploration + primary repair. Four of the 19 patients suffered from bilateral injuries none of whom suffered from legal blindness. BCVA at presentation was hand motion or worse in 21 of 23 eyes (91%). Seven of 23 eyes (30%) had expulsive loss of intraocular tissue, 4 of 23 eyes (17%) had retinal detachment and 4 of 23 eyes (17%) had traumatic cataracts. Ocular trama score (OTS) had a mean +/- standard deviation (SD) of 61 +/- 12. Eleven of 23 eyes (48%) had zone 2 ocular injuries and 10 of 23 eyes (43%) had zone 3 ocular injuries. At 6 months follow-up 15 of 23 eyes (65%) had a BCVA of less than 20/200. All patients with Grade 2 OTS, zone 3 injuries, expulsive loss of intraocular tissue and retinal detachment had BCVA of less than 20/200 at 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Open eye injuries secondary to explosions occur most frequently due to glass fragments. Most of the victims were indoors, near windows and less than 500m away of the explosion site at the time of the blast. The majority of victims have very low BCVA, a low OTS and a high ocular ZOI at presentation which reflects the danger of open globe injuries secondary to blasts. A high ZOI, a low OTS, the expulsive loss of intraocular tissue and retinal detachment seem to be predictors of worse VA at 6 months.

Mechanism and prognostic indicators for explosion-related eye trauma: eye injury vitrectomy study

PURPOSE

To explore the clinical features, surgical interventions and prognosis of injured eyes following explosion and to develop the risk factors for poor prognosis.

METHODS

A nested case-control study. To the date of 31 December 2018, 99 explosion-related eye globes were selected from the Eye Injury Vitrectomy Study database, which is a multicenter prospective cohort study and began in 1990s. All cases selected underwent vitreoretinal surgery or enucleation and were followed up for at least 6 months. Clinically meaningful preoperative variables and outcomes were used to develop logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The unfavourable outcomes were defined as silicone oil-filled eyes, phthisis bulbi, enucleation and anatomically restored eyes whose final BCVA is worse than initial vision after 6 months of follow-up. The proportion of unfavourable outcomes was 92.0%, 60.9% and 66.7% in large festive fireworks, detonator and beer bottle groups respective. The anatomic and visual outcome of injured eyes with combined injury of blast wave and projectile were worse than that of ruptured eyes (Fisher's exact = 0.041). The extrusion of iris/lens (OR = 3.20, p = 0.015), PVR-C (OR = 6.08, p = 0.036) and choroid damage (OR = 5.84, p = 0.025) is independent risk factors of unfavourable prognosis for explosion-related eye trauma.

CONCLUSION

The extrusion of iris/lens, PVR-C and choroid damage is the independent risk factors for unfavourable outcomes in explosion-related eye trauma. There is a unique injury mechanism in explosion-related eye trauma.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Through the nested case-control study, the extrusion of iris/lens, PVR-C, and choroid damage are the independent risk factors for unfavorable outcomes in explosion-related eye trauma. The mechanism of open globe mixture and close globe mixture in explosion-related eye trauma need more cases and participating units to explore together in the future.

Ocular Injury due to Arecanut: A Unique Occupational Hazard in Central Karnataka

Purpose:

To evaluate the ocular manifestations and visual outcomes of ocular injury by arecanut.

Methods:

We analysed cases with ocular injury by arecanut from August 2018 to December 2019, retrospectively. Mode of injury, visual acuity and ocular manifestations of trauma were recorded.

Results:

Out of the 40 cases, closed globe injuries were seen in 97.5% of cases. All the injuries were due to the direct impact of arecanut during harvesting. The mean age was 45.15 ± 12.84 years. The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation was 20/40. A significant number of cases (35%) required surgical intervention. Mean BCVA at final follow-up was 20/30 but 16.66% of cases had BCVA of <20/60 even after definitive therapy.

Conclusion:

Ocular trauma due to arecanut is an important and preventable cause of visual impairment in central Karnataka. Modifications in harvesting technique would prevent ocular injuries.

Risk factors and outcomes of post-traumatic endophthalmitis: a retrospective single-center study

Background

To describe the epidemiology, characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of post-traumatic endophthalmitis.

Main body

Medical records of consecutive open globe injury patients admitted and primarily treated between January 2006 and December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were defined as having or not having associated endophthalmitis. Data of demographics, injury characteristics, clinical presentations, and visual outcomes were collected. The potential risks and significant factors for visual outcomes of post-traumatic endophthalmitis were determined. There were 591 patients included in this study. Among these, 118 patients were clinically diagnosed as having accompanied endophthalmitis. Higher proportions of intraocular foreign body (IOFB) (55.1% vs. 27.3%) and injury related to high-velocity objects (55.9% vs. 32.6%) were noted in patients with endophthalmitis compared to patients without endophthalmitis. Anterior wound location (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 3.7; P = 0.020), presence of IOFB (OR, 1.9; 95% CI 1.2 to 3.0; P = 0.005), and delayed presentation of > 24 h (OR, 3.9; 95% CI 2.3 to 6.4; P < 0.001) were significant risk factors for associated endophthalmitis. Final visual acuity (VA) of the overall population improved significantly from 2.4 (0.6) logMAR to 1.4 (0.1) logMAR, P < 0.001, however, patients in the endophthalmitis group achieved a worse final VA than the non-endophthalmitis group (66.1% vs. 43.5%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

High proportions of post-traumatic endophthalmitis patients had subsequent poor visual outcomes. Therefore, safety and protective measurements, especially when performing activities related to high-velocity objects, and the institution of prophylactic antibiotics in high-risk groups should be promptly considered to reduce the incidence.

Dependence of visual and cognitive outcomes on animal holder configuration in a rodent model of blast overpressure exposure

Blast-induced traumatic brain injury is the signature injury of modern military conflicts. To more fully understand the effects of blast exposure, we placed rats in different holder configurations, exposed them to blast overpressure, and assessed the degree of eye and brain injury. Anesthetized Long-Evans rats received blast exposures directed at the head (63 kPa, 195 dB-SPL) in either an "open holder" (head and neck exposed; n = 7), or an "enclosed holder" (window for blast exposure to eye; n = 15) and were compared to non-blast exposed (control) rats (n = 22). Outcomes included optomotor response (OMR), electroretinography (ERG), and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at 2, 4, and 6 months post-blast, and cognitive function (Y-maze) at 3 months. Spatial frequency and contrast sensitivity were reduced in ipsilateral blast-exposed eyes in both holders (p < 0.01), while contralateral eyes showed greater deficits with the enclosed holder (p < 0.05). Thinner retinas (p < 0.001) and reduced ERG a- and b- wave amplitudes (p < 0.05) were observed for both ipsilateral and contralateral eyes with the enclosed, but not the open, holder. Rats in the open holder showed cognitive deficits compared to rats in the enclosed holder (p < 0.05). Overall, the animal holder configuration used in blast exposure studies can significantly affect outcomes. Enclosed holders may cause secondary damage to the contralateral eye by concussive injury or blast wave reflection off the holder wall. Open holders may damage the brain via rapid head movement (contrecoup injury). These results highlight additional factors to be considered when evaluating patients with blast exposure or developing models of blast injury.

Risk Factors for Band Keratopathy in Aphakic Eyes With Silicone Oil Tamponade for Open-Globe Injuries: A Multicenter Case-Control Study

Band keratopathy (BK) is a common complication in aphakic eyes with silicone oil tamponade for open-globe injury (OGI), characterized by the grayish-white opacities in the cornea, resulting in a significantly decreased vision when extending to the visual axis. To identify the risk factors for BK in aphakic eyes following vitreoretinal surgical treatment with silicone oil tamponade for OGIs, we performed a multicenter case-control study. The incidence of BK was 28% (28/100 eyes). The multivariate binary logistic regression revealed the silicone oil retention time (SORT) ≥6 months and zone III injury were significant risk factors for BK. From the hierarchical interaction, SORT ≥6 months had a significant risk for BK in eyes with rupture, aniridia, and zone III injury, while zone III injury had a significant risk for BK in eyes with rupture, incomplete/complete iris, and SORT ≥6 months. By using restricted cubic splines with three knots at the 25th, 50th, and 75th centiles to model the association of SORT with BK, we also found a marked increase in the risk for BK at ≥10 months and a slow increase after 6 months, but almost stable within 4-6 months.

Epidemiology of Pediatric Open Globe Injury in the United States

PURPOSE

To use the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database to describe trends in demographics, types, and incidence of pediatric open globe injuries in the United States.

METHODS

A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted of 8,943 acute cases of pediatric open globe injury (age < 21 years) obtained from the NIS Database, between 2002 and 2014. Weighted analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software (IBM Corporation). Codes from the International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification were used to identify pediatric open globe injury cases.

RESULTS

In the United States, 8,943 pediatric cases of acute open globe injuries were identified between 2002 and 2014. Males comprised 78% of the acute pediatric open globe injury cases. Penetrating open globe injuries without intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) were the most common type of injury (P < .001). The proportion of injuries that were penetrating open globe injuries decreased with age, whereas the proportion of IOFBs and globe ruptures increased. The proportion of open globe injuries with IOFB in boys was twice as high as in girls. The incidence of open globe injuries by age, race, and gender was highest in the 16 to 20 years age group, in Blacks and Native Americans, and in boys, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of open globe injuries in pediatric patients (age < 21 years) was estimated to be 7.93 per 1,000,000 individuals and varied by race, gender, and age. The proportion of different types of open globe injury varied significantly by age, race, and gender. The mean duration of hospital stay for open globe injury management was 2.2 days, and 17.5% of patients lacked medical insurance. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2021;58(4):232-239.].

The usability of lamellar scleral autograft in ocular perforation treatment

IMPORTANCE

Open globe injury is a frequent and preventable healthcare problem with an annual incidence of 3.5/100,000 worldwide. Management and treatment methods aim to ensure globe integrity. Unfortunately, it is not possible to achieve globe integrity in some of the cases, and these can result in poor visual outcomes.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the usability of lamellar scleral graft in the repair of ocular perforations.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of 11 patients who underwent lamellar scleral graft surgery for ocular perforation between June 2015 and June 2020. Due to the failure of the repairs when other techniques were used, the perforation zones were sealed with lamellar scleral autografts. The primary measures of the outcomes were globe integrity, postoperative best corrected visual acuity, and intraocular pressure (IOP). Visual acuity was determined using the Snellen eye chart, and IOP was measured using the automated pneumatic tonometry during standard examination.

RESULTS

The participants enrolled in this study included 11 patients who underwent lamellar scleral patch graft between 2015 and 2020. The mean age of the patients was 58.81 ± 16.6 years (range, 16-77), and the mean follow-up period was 12.5 ± 3.8 months (range, 8-20). During the surgery, the perforation zone was treated and no leakage was observed. IOP significantly increased, and visual acuity improved in almost all eyes. The factors that made it necessary to use scleral grafts in patients were star-shaped wounds, delayed presentation, lost corneal / scleral tissue.

CONCLUSION

Lamellar scleral graft is a method that can be used in the treatment of defective ocular perforation with acceptable complications and provides adequate functional and structural stability. Scleral patch grafting can be considered as an alternative option for surgeons treating a variety of ocular conditions that cause tectonic imbalance or poor cosmesis.

Intraocular Foreign Bodies: Clinical Characteristics and Factors Affecting Visual Outcome

Objective

To investigate the clinical characteristics and factors affecting visual outcome in patients with intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) and determine the risk factors for the development of endophthalmitis. Study Design. A retrospective case-series study design was adopted.

Subjects

In total, 242 patients (242 eyes) who were hospitalized and underwent surgical treatment for IOFB at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2019, were included.

Methods

The demographic data, cause of injury, characteristics of IOFBs, postinjury ocular manifestations, and surgical details of the subjects were collected, and the factors affecting visual outcome and endophthalmitis development were analyzed.

Results

The most common cause of IOFBs was the propulsion of foreign bodies into the eye due to hammering (149 cases, 61.57%), followed by foreign body penetration (57 cases, 23.55%). Most of the subjects were young adult men who sustained injuries in the work environment. Poorer visual outcomes were found in subjects with initial presenting symptoms visual acuity (PVA) < 0.1, largest IOFB diameter ≥ 3 mm, IOFBs located in the posterior segment, wound length > 5 mm, entrance wound length larger than the largest IOFB diameter, concomitant retinal detachment, concomitant vitreous hemorrhage, concomitant endophthalmitis, and concomitant proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Factors related to the development of endophthalmitis included lens capsule rupture, time of stage 1 repair surgery ≥ 24 h after trauma, removal of IOFBs ≥ 24 h after trauma, and nonadministration of intravitreal antibiotic injection.

Conclusion

Among patients with IOFBs, initial PVA < 0.1, entrance wound length larger than the largest IOFB diameter, concomitant endophthalmitis, and concomitant PVR were risk factors for poor visual outcomes. Lens capsule rupture was a risk factor for endophthalmitis development, and the administration of intravitreal antibiotic injection was a protective factor against endophthalmitis development.