[Epidemiology of open globe eye injuries: analysis of 1026 cases in 18 years]

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of open globe injuries in Southwest China

Background

Open globe injuries (OGIs) are one of the leading causes of monocular vision loss, and the clinical characteristics of OGIs are region specific. The features and patterns of OGIs in Southwest China are poorly known and not well studied. Our study aimed to review the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized for OGIs in Southwest China.

Methods

A retrospective study of OGI patients admitted to the West China Hospital from January 1st, 2015, to December 31st, 2019, was performed. Demographic characteristics and injury details were recorded. The Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology system and the ocular trauma score (OTS) were used.

Results

A total of 3,014 patients were included. The male-to-female ratio was 5.2:1, and the mean age was 35.6 ± 19.1 years. 15.2% of patients were from the ethnic groups. The highest-risk occupation was the farmer (30.3%), followed by the worker (28.5%). OGIs occurred more frequently in people with middle (37.0%) and primary school (33.1%) education levels. Types of injuries included 46.8% penetration, 21.2% rupture, 2.9% perforation, and 29.1% intraocular foreign body (IOFB). The injuries types differed between age and occupation groups (p < 0.001). IOFBs had a higher risk of causing endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, and traumatic cataracts (p < 0.001). The most common injuries resulted from sharp objects (72.7%). The causes of the injuries were significantly associated with age, ethnicity, and occupation (p < 0.001). Explosion injuries and attacks by animals were more common among people of Tibetan and Yi ethnicities. Blunt trauma, vehicle crashes, falls and age older than 60 years were risk factors for a lack of light perception and lower OTS scores prognosis.

Conclusion

OGIs in Southwest China mainly affected working-aged males, especially workers or farmers. Severe vision loss and IOFBs are more common findings. OGIs in older patients and ethnic minorities requires additional attention.

Fall-related ocular trauma in patients over 90 years in tertiary ophthalmic center in Germany: 90-TOSG Report 1

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical characteristics of fall-related ocular trauma in patients over 90 years of age.

METHODS

Retrospective, medical record reviews. Patients over the age of 90 years treated in a tertiary center with fall-related ocular trauma were included in the study.

RESULTS

Fifty consecutive patients (fifty eyes) were analyzed. The mean age was 93.6 ± 1.8 years and 41 patients (82%) were female. The most common site of the injuries was orbital fracture (18 patients, 36%), accompanied with open globe rupture (OGR) in three patients, and globe contusion in two patients. Seventeen patients (34%) presented with OGR. Ocular trauma score in those patients was category 1 in 10 patients (58.8%) and category 2 in the others. Conjunctival hemorrhage and/or periocular contusion was seen in 14 patients (28%) and globe contusion in six patients (12%). At the presentation, the mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 2.82 ± 0.24 logMAR in patients with OGR and 1.98 ± 0.81 logMAR in six patients with globe contusion. Three of the patients with OGR had a final vision of 20/200 or better whereas the remaining patients had hand movements or less. The most common risk factors were female gender (82%) and use of antihypertensive drugs (46%).

CONCLUSION

Patients with OGR had a poor visual outcome despite the early treatment. It is important to raise public awareness about of the poor prognosis of ocular injuries due to falls in the elderly population in order to establish preventive measures.

[Explosives-based vole traps-A novel injury pattern in the eye region]

BACKGROUND

A novel method for trapping voles is the use of pistol-like explosive tools loaded with bolt-action ammunition. When triggered the vole is killed by the very high gas pressure created. Accidental releases can result in facial and/or eye injuries. The aim of this work was to describe the injury pattern in the patient and to experimentally verify whether there is a risk of penetrating eye injuries.

METHODS

Two emergency patients presented to our eye clinic with eye injuries after unintentional triggering of the explosive trap. Based on the new pattern of injury noted, experiments were performed on enucleated porcine eyes to determine the possible severity. For this purpose, a vole trap was clamped in a holder and loaded with a Cal. 9 × 17 mm cartridge in each case. In front of the muzzle opening, 3 pig eyes each were fixed on Styrofoam at a distance of 20, 40, 60 and 80 cm. The foreign body indentations in the cornea were visualized and measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The pig eyes were then dissected and searched for foreign bodies using microscopy. The SD-OCT images of an injured patient were also included for human comparison.

RESULTS

On patient examination, in addition to the usual fine gunshot marks on the face and conjunctiva/eye area, wax-like, larger and heavier particles of approximately 0.1-0.2 mm in size were found, which originated from the cartridge end cap. Removal of these foreign bodies, some of which were injected more deeply into the cornea, conjunctiva, and tenon, is much more difficult and extensive than in usual blast trauma. There was no evidence of intraocular foreign bodies in either patient. Likewise, no intraocular foreign bodies could be detected experimentally in any pig eyeball (n = 12). Remnants of the wax-like cartridge end were found deeply penetrating into the corneal stroma. The maximum penetration depth measured against the total corneal thickness was 46% at 20 cm device distance and decreased with greater distance to the vole trap (penetration depth at 40 cm at 37%, at 60 cm at 28% and at 80 cm at 19%). For comparisons on the human eye, a penetration depth of 54% was measured at a distance of about 40 cm. In pig eyes the number of foreign bodies per cm2 decreased with increasing distance from the vole trap (mean: n = 174 foreign bodies, FB, at 20 cm distance, n = 46 FB at 40 cm, n = 23 FB at 60 cm, and n = 9 FB at 80 cm). The largest penetrating foreign bodies measured a mean of 383 ± 43 μm with a maximum of 451 μm.

CONCLUSION

New vole traps with gas-powered mechanisms result in larger deeply penetrating wax-like foreign bodies in the cornea, conjunctiva, and tenon of the eye, which are difficult to remove and only surgically possible. Despite the significant explosion during triggering, there was no evidence of penetrating ocular injury from the foreign bodies either in the patient or experimentally in the pig eyes. Safety goggles should be worn when handling the traps to avoid penetration of foreign bodies into the eye.

Prognostic factors of open-globe injuries: A review

Open-globe injuries (OGI) can lead to significant visual impairment. The Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) is the most widely recognized tool for predicting visual outcomes. This review aimed to identify prognostic factors and assess the effectiveness of the OTS in predicting visual outcomes. Twenty-one articles published on PubMed and Google Scholar were analyzed. Initial visual acuity and the zone of injury were found to be the most significant prognostic factors for OGI. Other significant prognostic factors include retinal detachment/involvement, relative afferent pupillary defect, vitreous hemorrhage, vitreous prolapse, type of injury, hyphema, lens involvement, and duration from incidence of OGI to vitrectomy. Of the 21 studies evaluated, 11 investigated the effectiveness of OTS. Four studies concluded that OTS was effective overall, while six studies suggested that it was only useful in certain OGI categories. Thus, there is a need for further research to develop an optimized ocular trauma prognosticating system.

Ocular injuries in a paediatric population at a child eye health tertiary facility, Ibadan, Nigeria

PURPOSE

To determine the pattern, causes and risk factors for ocular injuries amongst children presenting to a tertiary facility in Ibadan, southwest Nigeria METHODS: A retrospective review of clinical records of patients aged 16 years and below who presented with ocular injuries to the eye emergency unit between May 2010 and April 2016. Information extracted includes patient's demography, location and circumstances of injury, clinical findings, and management. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Odds ratio were derived from regression models adjusted for confounders. Significance was set at a P-value of 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 109 children were studied. Majority were boys (male to female ratio=2.9:1). The median age at presentation was 9 years. Injury occurred at home in 67 (61.5%) children, and at school in 30 (27.5%). More than half of the children were injured during play, 18 (16.5%) during corporal punishment, and 34 (31.2%) by accidents during domestic/schoolwork. Majority (73.4%) were closed globe injuries. The odds of injury with sharp objects and ocular trauma score of 4 or less was were 3.2 times (95% Confidence interval {CI}: 1.3-7.7) and 3.9 times (95% CI:1.4-11.4) higher in children aged 0-5 years respectively. The odds of open globe injury was 9.8 times (95% CI: 3.4-28.6) higher in injury from sharp objects. Wood/stick, cane, stone, broomstick and fist/palm/finger were the agents responsible for two-thirds of injuries.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that children predominantly sustain ocular injuries at home and younger children have greater odds of severe injuries with profound implications for visual disability. Health education, adult supervision and the application of appropriate measures necessary for reducing the incidence and severity of childhood ocular trauma are advocated.

Outcomes of Penetrating Keratoplasty After Open Globe Injury

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features, surgical outcomes, and prognostic factors of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) after open globe injury (OGI).

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients treated for OGI between January 2000 and July 2017 was conducted. Demographic, preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data were collected for those who underwent PKP after OGI. The predictive value of each preoperative variable on graft failure was assessed using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, and the predictive value of variables on post-PKP visual outcome was assessed using both univariate and multivariable logistic regression models. All eyes that underwent PKP after OGI were included unless they had less than 365 days of follow-up.

RESULTS

Forty-six eyes that underwent PKP met inclusion criteria. The median age was 46 years (interquartile range = 23.00-61.25), median follow-up was 78.5 months (interquartile range = 38.63-122.02), and 37 of 46 subjects (80.4%) were male. The observed 1- and 5-year graft survival estimates were 80.4% and 41.7%, respectively. Factors statistically associated with graft failure in multivariable analyses were rejection episode, hazard ratio (HR) = 3.29; retinal detachment (RD), HR = 3.47; and endophthalmitis, HR = 6.27. Fifteen of 42 eyes (35.7%) regained ambulatory vision (20/200 or better). The strongest predictors of vision worse than 20/200 at the last follow-up were RD, odds ratio (OR) = 43.88; graft rejection, OR = 12.42; and injury outside the workplace, OR = 25.05.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a high graft survival at 1 year, most of the patients did not regain ambulatory vision. Graft rejection, RD, and endophthalmitis were risk factors for graft failure. These factors should be considered when counseling patients regarding PKP after OGI.

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.

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.

Open Globe Injuries: Classifications and Prognostic Factors for Functional Outcome

This paper explored epidemiology and evaluation of posterior segment involvement as prognostic factors for functional outcome of patients with open globe injuries. A retrospective analysis of 151 patients with open globe injuries was conducted. Pre- and postoperative-corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), epidemiologic data, classification of the injuries including the ocular trauma score (OTS), performed surgeries, intraocular pressure (IOP) and correlation analyses between OTS and postoperative CDVA were obtained. A total of 147 eyes were included in the study. Mean age was 42.9 ± 22.2 years, 78.2% were male, and 36.7% of injuries occurred in the workplace. Thirty-eight patients (25.9%) had intraocular foreign bodies. Concerning injury location, 51.7% of the injuries were located in zone I (cornea, corneoscleral limbus), 15.0% in zone II (up to 5 mm posterior the sclerocorneal limbus) and 32.0% in zone III (posterior of zone 2). Affected structures were eyelids (17.7%), cornea (74.8%), iris (63.9%), lens (56.5%), sclera (48.3%), retina (47.6%) and optic nerve (19.7%). Mean preoperative CDVA was 1.304 ± 0.794 logMAR and 1.289 ± 0.729 logMAR postoperatively (p = 0.780). Patients with posterior segment involvement had significantly worse postoperative CDVA than patients without (1.523 ± 0.654 logMAR vs. 0.944 ± 0.708 logMAR, p < 0.01). Predictive factors for good visual outcome of open globe injuries are good initial CDVA and ocular trauma affecting only zone I and II.

Factors affecting final functional outcomes in open-globe injuries and use of ocular trauma score as a predictive tool in Nepalese population

BACKGROUND

Open globe injury (OGI) is one of the most devastating form of ocular trauma. The aim of the study is to identify the epidemiology and predict visual outcomes in traumatic open globe injuries using ocular trauma score (OTS) and correlate with final visual acuity (VA) at 3 months.

METHODS

Patients older than 5 years, presenting to B.P. Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic Studies (BPKLCOS) from March 2016- March 2017 with OGI that met inclusion criteria were evaluated. Patient profile, nature and cause of injury, and time to presentation were recorded. Patients were managed accordingly and followed up to 3 months. An OTS score for each patient was calculated and raw scores were categorized accordingly. The VA after 3 months were compared to the predicted OTS values.

RESULTS

Seventy-three eyes of 72 patients were examined. 76 % were male, and the mean age was 26.17 years (median, 23.5 years). The mean time from injury to presentation was < 6 hours (30 patients, 41 %). Thirty-seven eyes (51 %) had zone I trauma, followed by twenty eyes (27 %) with zone II, and sixteen eyes (22 %) with zone III trauma. Sixty-five patients (90 %) were managed surgically, and fifty (68 %) received intravitreal antibiotics with steroid. When compared, the projected VA as per OTS were able to predict actual final visual outcomes in 60 % of the eyes with OGI of various zones.

CONCLUSIONS

OTS can be an accurate predictive tool for final visual acuity even with a short follow up period of 3 months; with poor presenting visual acuity, delayed presentation, posterior zones of injury, need for intravitreal injections, endophthalmitis, and globe rupture associated with poorer prognosis.

Traumatic open globe injury—epidemiology, risk factors and visual outcome at the University Hospital Aachen

Background

Ocular trauma is still a major cause leading to enucleation. This study aims to analyze the visual outcome, epidemiology and risk factors of open globe injury (OGI) at the University Hospital Aachen, Germany.

Material and methods

A retrospective analysis of patient records involving traumatic OGI treated surgically between 2005 and 2015 was conducted. Age, gender, cause of accident, ocular trauma score, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation and after treatment as well as location of injury were evaluated.

Results

Of 2272 eyes with trauma, 102 patients with OGI were identified, of which 65% were male and 35% were female. Women were significantly older than men (p < 0.001). The most common cause of injury was domestic syncopal episodes (47%). Work-related injuries occurred exclusively in men in 8.8%. A total of 16% had no light perception (NLP) at presentation, 69% of which improved post intervention to hand movement or better. Endophthalmitis was observed in 4% of all cases. Enucleation was needed mostly due to rupture. Location of OGI, pseudophakia and initial BCVA are risk factors for poor final BCVA. Patients’ BCVA did not improve further after three surgeries.

Conclusion

Traumatic OGI still poses a challenge in terms of treatment planning and prognostic outcome. A rise in elderly patients with multimorbidity represents a secondary obstacle to treatment. Patients with initial NLP can be treated with moderate success. Nevertheless, risk factors and ocular trauma score are unable to provide definitive therapy decisions. OGI should be assessed case by case, taking risk factors for OGI into account. Treating physicians should consider the ethical and economic reasons with regard to whether a high number of surgeries with possible comorbidities is justified.

The cereus matter of Bacillus endophthalmitis

Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) endophthalmitis is a devastating intraocular infection primarily associated with post-traumatic injuries. The majority of these infections result in substantial vision loss, if not loss of the eye itself, within 12-48 h. Multifactorial mechanisms that lead to the innate intraocular inflammatory response during this disease include the combination of robust bacterial replication, migration of the organism throughout the eye, and toxin production by the organism. Therefore, the window of therapeutic intervention in B. cereus endophthalmitis is quite narrow compared to that of other pathogens which cause this disease. Understanding the interaction of bacterial and host factors is critical in understanding the disease and formulating more rational therapeutics for salvaging vision. In this review, we will discuss clinical and research findings related to B. cereus endophthalmitis in terms of the organism's virulence and inflammogenic potential, and strategies for improving of current therapeutic regimens for this blinding disease.

[Indications and surgical techniques for implantation of the Artificial Iris®]

BACKGROUND

The implantation of the Artificial Iris® (Human Optics AG, Erlangen, Germany) is used for pupil and iris reconstruction in patients with partial or complete aniridia. So far, only a few case reports and short-term results are available in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this analysis is to present the various indications as well as the functional result.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This retrospective consecutive case study included 51 eyes of 50 patients with implantation of an Artificial Iris® for pupillary reconstruction. All operations were performed by the same ophthalmic surgeon (UV) at the University Eye Clinic Mainz. The initial findings were placed in relation to the indications and the functional results were investigated.

RESULTS

In this study 51 eyes of 50 patients with a mean age of 57 ± 16.5 years (16 women and 34 men) were analyzed. While the majority of the patients suffered from a traumatic partial or complete aniridia, the minority showed congenital defects. The visual acuity could be improved in 53% of the patients (p = 0.0001) postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

This analysis highlights the various and diverse indications for implanting the Artificial Iris®. Hereby, a gain in visual acuity is not invariably the primary objective but more often reduction of glare as well as cosmetic rehabilitation, as the eyes are severely damaged in many cases. The long-term results are currently being analyzed in a study and will soon be published.

Clinical characteristics and visual outcomes of work-related open globe injuries in Japanese patients

Purpose: To investigate the clinical characteristics and visual outcomes of patients with work-related open globe injuries (OGIs) and compare them with patients with non-work-related OGIs. Design: Retrospective, observational, multicentre, case-control study. Methods: A total of 374 patients with work-related OGIs and 170 patients with non-work-related OGIs who presented to hospitals that belong to the Japan-Clinical Research of Study group from 2005 to 2015 were included in this study. Clinical data including age, sex, initial and final visual acuity, type of open globe injury, lens status, zone of injury, wound length, and presence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, retinal detachment, expulsive haemorrhage, and endophthalmitis were recorded. Main Outcome Measures: Visual acuity. Results Work-related OGIs were associated with younger age, male sex, better initial and final visual acuity, more laceration, smaller wounds, presence of retinal detachment, and expulsive haemorrhage, compared with non-work-related OGIs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that final visual acuity is significantly associated with initial visual acuity, wound length, and the presence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy in work-related OGIs. Conclusions: Work-related OGIs showed better visual outcomes than other OGIs. Initial visual acuity, wound length, and the presence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy are predictors of visual outcomes in patients with work-related OGIs.

Timely Use of Conventional Vitrectomy and Endoscope-Assisted Vitrectomy for Endophthalmitis Following Open Ocular Trauma: A Retrospective Study of 18 Patients

Background

Endophthalmitis, or inflammation of the internal tissues of the eye, may follow trauma and results in loss of vision if not treated promptly. Vitrectomy is used to debride the inflamed vitreous. This retrospective study aimed to compare the outcome from conventional vitrectomy (CV) and endoscope-assisted vitrectomy (EAV) performed for endophthalmitis within five days and 10 days after open ocular trauma.

Material/Methods

The clinical data from 18 patients (18 eyes) with endophthalmitis caused by open ocular trauma were analyzed at a single center. CV or EAV was performed based on the degree of vision and the involvement of the vitreous cavity.

Results

Of the 18 patients with endophthalmitis, seven patients underwent EAV, and 11 patients underwent CV. The number of cases with preoperative corneal laceration, edema, bleeding, and formation of corneal nebular opacity was higher in the EAV group compared to the CV group. Four patients had retinal detachment, of which three patients were treated with EAV. Seventeen patients had their sight restored by a single vitrectomy procedure. In 10 cases, the culture of the vitreous fluid was positive for infection, and eight patients had Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis infection. Follow-up showed that vitrectomy performed within five days (P=0.001) and 10 days (P=0.047) of open ocular trauma resulted in significant improvement of visual acuity.

Conclusions

Vitrectomy for endophthalmitis due to open ocular trauma performed within five days of injury restored visual acuity. EAV was shown to be an effective alternative to CV.

The Impact of Primary Treatment on Post-Traumatic Endophthalmitis in Children with Open Globe Injuries: A Study in China

Post-traumatic endophthalmitis (PTE) is considered as one of the most serious complications after open globe injuries (OGIs), especially in children. Poor prognosis of this disease can lead to a variety of socioeconomic problems. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of pediatric OGIs and the factors associated with the development of PTE in China. 131 patients under 14 years old and needed hospitalization for management of OGIs were enrolled. There were 90 males and 41 females. 44 patients were left-behind children, the majority were 3–6 years old (n = 71, 71/131, 54.2%) and living in rural area (n = 106, 106/131, 80.9%). After injury, 82 patients received primary repair within 24 h, with the remaining 49 patients receiving primary repair after 24 h. Eventually, there were 28 (28/131, 21.4%) patients presented with PTE. In those 49 patients, the frequency of PTE achieving 32.7% (16/49). Univariate analysis showed that the timing of primary repair is significantly associated with the development of PTE (p < 0.05). Moreover, left-behind children took higher risks in having delayed treatment that over 24 h after OGIs (OR = 2.466, 95% CI: 1.16–5.26). Reducing the time before primary repair is a useful strategy to prevent the development of PTE. Special supervision is needed for pre-school-aged boys living in rural areas, especially for left-behind children.

Visual and ocular morbidity in severe open-globe injuries presenting to a regional eye centre in New Zealand

IMPORTANCE

Open-globe injuries (OGI) are a leading cause of monocular blindness world-wide with considerable cost to the individual and society.

BACKGROUND

To characterize the epidemiology, severity and outcomes of OGI treated at a major ophthalmology centre in New Zealand.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 385 eyes of 381 patients over a 10-year period.

METHODS

Eligible patients were identified using diagnosis and surgery codes on hospital discharge summaries. Clinical notes were reviewed to determine patient demographics, injury details, treatments and outcomes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Complications of injury, visual acuity at 3 months and final follow-up, and final status of the eye.

RESULTS

The estimated annual incidence of OGI was 2.8 per 100 000. Working-age males predominated but age at injury ranged from 9 months to 90 years. Maori and Pacific peoples were over-represented. Injuries were severe with 58.7% presenting with vision of hand movements or worse. Penetrating injuries (56.4%) were most common, followed by globe ruptures (35.6%). Major complications included retinal detachment (15.8%), enucleation/evisceration (9.1%), phthisis bulbi (9.9%), endophthalmitis (2.6%) and sympathetic ophthalmia (0.26%). Despite the injury severity, 46% of eyes achieved final BCVA of ≥6/12. The Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) was a useful prognostic tool for stratifying severity of injury and predicting visual outcome (Fisher's exact test P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The incidence and severity of OGI in NZ are comparable to global statistics. Surgical repair can effectively recover vision, predicted well by the OTS. We identified at-risk groups to target with education and prevention strategies.

Ocular Trauma Score as prognostic value in traumatic ocular injuries due to rotating wire brushes

PURPOSE

Rotating wire brushes are used, e.g., for rust removal. Detaching fragments can cause severe eye injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate mechanism, severity, clinical outcome, validity of Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) and to assess the likelihood of final visual acuity.

METHODS

Twenty patients with traumatic ocular injuries by rotating wire brushes were included. Location and type of injury, grade of injury according to OTS, surgical procedure, and development of visual acuity were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eleven accidents (55%) happened at work, nine at home (45%). Eighteen injuries (90%) were penetrating, one (5%) was perforating. In one case (5%), an intraocular foreign body was present. One case each was classified OTS 1 and 2 (5%), six cases OTS 3 (30%), four cases OTS 4 (20%), and eight cases OTS 5 (40%). None of the patients was wearing safety goggles. Fourteen patients (70%) were surgically treated. Of these, five were treated at the anterior segment only, nine additionally underwent pars-plana vitrectomy. Nine patients received phacoemulsification. Mean best corrected visual acuity was logMAR 1.0 (2/20) at admission and 0.3 (10/20) at last follow-up. Our results were similar to those in the OTS study, except for OTS 1 (p = 0.046). Comparing the categorical distribution of final visual acuity in all OTS categories, no statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.119) between our results and the OTS study group.

CONCLUSIONS

OTS may provide prognostic information in traumatic ocular injuries by rotating wire brushes. The injuries could have been avoided by wearing safety goggles.

25-Gauge Vitrectomy in Open Eye Injury with Retained Foreign Body

Purpose. Ocular trauma with retained foreign body is an important cause of visual impairment in working-age population. Clinical status impacts on the timing and planning of surgery. In the last year small gauge vitrectomy has become safer and more efficient, extending the range of pathologies successfully treated. Aims. To evaluate the safety and outcomes in patients with open eye injury with retained foreign body that underwent early 25-gauge vitrectomy. Methods. In this retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series, we performed 25-gauge vitrectomy on 10 patients affected by open globe injuries with retained foreign body, over 3 years. We analyzed age, wound site, foreign body characteristics, ocular lesions correlated, relative afferent pupillary defect, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure. Follow-up evaluations were performed at 1, 3, and 6 months. According to the clinical status we performed other procedures to manage ocular correlated lesions. Results. The median age of patients was 37 years. The foreign body median size was 3.5 mm (size range, 1 to 10 mm). 25-gauge vitrectomy was performed within 12 hours of trauma. Foreign body removal occurred via a clear corneal or scleral tunnel incision or linear pars plana scleral access. Visual acuity improved in all patients. Endophthalmitis was never reported. Only two cases reported postoperative ocular hypertension resolved within the follow-up. Retinal detachment recurred in one case only. Conclusions. 25-gauge vitrectomy could be considered as early approach to manage open globe injuries with a retained posterior segment foreign body in selected cases with good outcomes and low complication rate.

Pediatric open globe injury: A review of the literature

Open globe injury (OGI) is a severe form of eye trauma estimated at 2-3.8/100,000 in the United States. Most pediatric cases occur at home and are the result of sharp object penetration. The aim of this article is to review the epidemiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of this condition by conducting a systematic literature search with inclusion of all case series on pediatric OGI published between 1996 and 2015. Diagnosis of OGI is based on patient history and clinical examination supplemented with imaging, especially computed tomography when indicated. Few prospective studies exist for the management of OGI in pediatric patients, but adult recommendations are often followed with success. The main goals of surgical management are to repair the open globe and remove intraocular foreign bodies. Systemic antibiotics are recommended as medical prophylaxis against globe infection, or endophthalmitis. Other complications are similar to those seen in adults, with the added focus of amblyopia therapy in children. Severe vision decline is most likely due to traumatic cataracts. The ocular trauma score, a system devised to predict final visual acuity (VA) in adults, has proven to be of prognostic value in pediatric OGI as well. Factors indicating poor visual prognosis are young age, poor initial VA, posterior eye involvement, long wound length, globe rupture, lens involvement, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, and endophthalmitis. A thorough understanding of OGI and the key differences in epidemiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis between adults and children is critical to timely prevention of posttraumatic vision loss early in life.

Impact of surgeon subspecialty training on surgical outcomes in open globe injuries

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether subspecialty training of the initial treating surgeon affects visual acuity and surgical outcomes in patients with open globe injuries.

Design

This study is a single-institution, retrospective case series.

Methods

The charts of adult patients with open globe injuries requiring surgical repair at the Wilmer Eye Institute between July 1, 2007 and July 1, 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical findings at presentation were recorded, and details of initial repair and follow-up surgeries were analyzed. Differences in visual acuity and surgical outcomes were compared based on subspecialty training of the initial surgeon.

Results

The charts of 282 adult patients were analyzed, and 193 eyes had at least 6 months of follow-up for analysis. Eighty-six eyes (44.6%) required follow-up surgery within the first year, and 39 eyes (20.2%) were enucleated. Eyes initially treated by a vitreoretinal (VR) surgeon were 2.3 times (P=0.003) more likely to improve by one Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) visual acuity category and 1.9 times (P=0.027) more likely to have at least one more follow-up surgery at 6 months compared to eyes treated by non-VR surgeons. Patients with more anterior injuries treated by a VR surgeon were more likely to improve by one OTS visual acuity category compared to those treated by non-VR surgeons (P=0.004 and 0.016 for Zones I and II, respectively). There was no difference in visual acuity outcomes for eyes with posterior injuries (P=0.515 for Zone III).

Conclusion

Eyes initially treated by a VR surgeon are more likely to improve by one OTS visual acuity category than those initially treated by a non-VR surgeon. However, patients initially treated by a VR surgeon also undergo more follow-up surgical rehabilitation, and improvement in visual acuity is more likely for anterior (Zone I and II injuries) than posterior (Zone III) injuries.

[Mason's lacing cord. Potential danger of severe open ocular injuries]

BACKGROUND

Introduction of new working equipment or the modification of established working routines could induce new trauma mechanisms. In all of theses cases ophthalmologists are not only responsible for ocular treatment they also have to act as assessors. This might include legal aspects, e.g. to validate the circumstances of an accident.

METHODS

We present a new trauma mechanism caused by a mason's lacing cord which was fixed with nails. In addition to two case studies we collected experimental data (maximum tension and maximum elongation of various mason's lacing cords) about the triggering event using standard test conditions.

RESULTS

A tensile force of 96.2 N was needed to achieve maximum elongation of mason's lacing cords. With a cord length of 5 m, an elongation of 0.09 m was enough to cause penetrating injuries (for 10 m cord length the critical elongation was 0.13 m). Under these conditions a nail could be accelerated to a velocity of 18 m/s. This may lead to open eyeball injuries with severe visual loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Nails fixed to elastic mason's lacing cords are potential risk factors for occupational ocular injuries and severe loss of vision. Caution labels should be attached to the work equipment and proper eye protection should be used to prevent severe occupational ocular injuries.

Endophthalmitis following open-globe injuries

The incidence of traumatic endophthalmitis may be decreasing due to earlier wound closure and prompt initiation of antibiotics. Risk factors for endophthalmitis include retained intraocular foreign body, rural setting of injury, disruption of the crystalline lens, and a delay in primary wound closure. The microbiology in the post-traumatic setting includes a higher frequency of virulent organisms such as Bacillus species. Recognizing early clinical signs of endophthalmitis, including pain, hypopyon, vitritis, or retinal periphlebitis may prompt early treatment with intravitreal antibiotics. Prophylaxis of endophthalmitis in high-risk open-globe injuries may include systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics, topical antibiotics, and intravitreal antibiotics to cover both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. For clinically diagnosed post-traumatic endophthalmitis, intravitreal vancomycin, and ceftazidime are routinely used. Concurrent retinal detachment with endophthalmitis can be successfully managed with vitrectomy and use of intravitreal antibiotics along with a long acting gas or silicone oil tamponade. Endophthalmitis is a visually significant complication of open-globe injuries but early wound closure as well as comprehensive prophylactic antibiotic treatment at the time of injury repair may improve visual acuity outcomes.

Influence of alcohol consumption on incidence and severity of open-globe eye injuries in adults

AIM

To investigate the influence of alcohol consumption on the occurrence of open-globe injuries in adults.

METHODS

A retrospective study was made of 100 consecutive patients (81 male, 19 female) with open-globe injuries. Of these patients, 18 exhibited alcohol intoxication (group Ai), and 82 exhibited no alcohol intoxication (group nAi). Investigated parameters were best-corrected visual acuity at day of admission and last examination (logMAR), type of injury according to BETT-classification, extraocular injuries, cause of injury, time and setting of injury, in relation to alcohol consumption and tested for statistical significance with Fisher's exact test or the Mann-Whitney U test, respectively.

RESULTS

In group Ai, 83.3% of the patients were male, and in group nAi, 80.5%. Mean logMAR at day of admission was 1.06 ± 0.63 (20/250) in group Ai and 1.08 ± 0.59 (20/250) in group nAi. At last examination, mean logMAR in group Ai was 1.11 ± 0.59 (20/250), in group nAi 0.75 ± 0.60 (20/125). This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.02). In group Ai, significantly more ruptures according to BETT classification occurred (p = 0.05). In group Ai, significantly more additional extraocular injuries occurred compared to group nAi (38.9% versus 6.1%; p = 0.0009). In group Ai, the cause of injury was significantly more often glass (44.4% versus 2.4%; p = 0.0000), in group nAi the injury was more often directly or indirectly caused by tools (74.4% versus 33.3%; p = 0.001). In group Ai, the injury was significantly more often inflicted by others (50.0% versus 9.8%; p = 0.0003). The settings in which the injuries occurred were significantly more often the street in group Ai (44.4% versus 6.1%; p = 0.0002), in group nAi the garden or tool shed (31.7% versus 5.6%; p = 0.02) or the workplace (34.2 % versus 11.1 %; p = 0.04). In group Ai, the injuries occurred significantly more often at night (p = 0.0001) and on weekends (p = 0.0000).

CONCLUSIONS

Open-globe eye injuries under alcohol intoxication are more often caused by a third party and have a worse prognosis. Open-globe injuries under alcohol intoxication occur in a different spatio-temporal setting and exhibit a more severe type of injury. Risk behavior combined with alcohol consumption therefore seems to be an independent factor for the incidence of open-globe eye injuries.

Endophthalmitis: Pathogenesis, clinical presentation, management, and perspectives

Endophthalmitis is a rare but sight-threatening complication that can occur after ocular surgery or trauma or as a consequence of systemic infection. To optimize visual outcome, early diagnosis and treatment are essential. Over recent decades, advances in hygienic standards, improved microbiologic and surgical techniques, development of powerful antimicrobial drugs, and the introduction of intravitreal antibiotic therapy have led to a decreased incidence and improved management of endophthalmitis. However, endophthalmitis still represents a serious clinical problem. This review focuses on current principles and techniques for evaluation and treatment of endophthalmitis. In addition, it addresses recent developments regarding antimicrobial treatment and prophylaxis of infectious endophthalmitis.

Open globe injuries induced by glass bottles containing carbonated drinks

BACKGROUND

Reports on open globe injuries caused by exploding bottles containing carbonated drinks have already raised the demand to switch from multi-use glass bottles to plastic bottles. We retrospectively analyzed our files to find out whether this type of injury is limited to multi-use glass bottles, and to what extent carelessness contributed to the injury

PATIENTS

Among 1,402 open globe injuries that were treated in the departments of ophthalmology at the universities of Freiburg and Würzburg between 1981 and 2004, we retrospectively identified 33 injuries caused by exploding bottles containing carbonated drinks. Patients were excluded from analysis when the destruction of the bottle was intended (destroyed with a hammer, or bottle used as a weapon). The circumstances of the injury, the treatment and the functional outcome was analyzed.

RESULTS

2.4% of all open globe injuries were related to exploding bottles, with a risk of one injury per 1 million inhabitants per year. Ten eyes suffered from a spontaneous explosion of the bottle when it was moved on a shelf or taken out of a box. Eighteen eyes received the injury after the bottle had fallen down and exploded (six of them in children 2 to 8 years). Five bottles exploded during opening of the bottle. In four cases, the bottle cap came off spontaneously and penetrated the eye. Eleven injuries (33%) occurred at work, five of them while moving the bottle and six during breaks at work.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous explosions in multi-use glass bottles could easily be avoided by changing to plastic bottles; however, exploding single-use glass bottles Containing sparkling wine also contributed to the injuries. In many cases, carelessness was involved. Glass bottles should be never exposed to heat or shaking, and children should never carry glass bottles containing carbonated drinks.

[Post-traumatic inflammation with an intraocular foreign body]

BACKGROUND

To report on the diagnosis and management of a"firecracker" injury presenting with a post-traumatic intraocular inflammation.

CASE REPORT

A 10-year-old boy sustained a penetrating 16-mm cornea-sclera blast injury to his left eye with uveal prolapse and hemophthalmus and doubtful light perception. The cranial computed tomography revealed a metallic intraocular foreign body (IOFB), retinal detachment, and subretinal and subchoroidal hemorrhage. After primary wound closure and antibiotic treatment for 1 week, increasing cell infiltration and amaurosis developed, and a lensectomy, pars plana vitrectomy, and extraction of the 17x7x7-mm encapsulated IOFB via a scleral tunnel was indicated.

RESULTS

A vitreous specimen did not reveal microbial growth; however, plenty of polymorphonuclear cells, macrophages, and lymphocytes were observed. Spectroscopy of the IOFB showed copper, zinc, silicon, lead, and other metals. A diagnosis of noninfectious inflammation due to heavy metals, primarily copper (=chalcosis), was made. The postoperative course was unremarkable, the intraocular lens in place, fundus CDR 0.2, retina and macula attached, intraocular pressure 9 mmHg. Three weeks after surgery, the flash VEP showed absent potentials.

CONCLUSIONS

Large projectiles or parts should be removed from the eye immediately in order to prevent complications from toxic metallosis and early fibrotic reactions.