Beyond the Surface: A Systematic Review of Perforating and Penetrating Globe Injuries From Blepharoplasty.

PURPOSE: This study aims to address the infrequent but serious complication of globe injuries in blepharoplasty. METHODS: A case series of 3 patients with globe injuries postblepharoplasty is presented, along with a systematic literature review that revealed 13 previously reported cases. Quantitative and comparative analysis is described. RESULTS: Injuries ranged from deep thermal burns to full-thickness corneal or scleral lacerations, with one instance of traumatic cataract. The median time from surgery to symptom onset was 1 day, with a concerning median delay of 7 days to presentation to an ophthalmologist. Visual outcomes were generally poor, with nearly all patients experiencing permanent visual morbidity. The systematic review revealed 3 cases of endophthalmitis following perforating scleral injuries. Comparative analysis showed no significant differences in visual outcomes between penetrating and perforating injuries. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study emphasize the need for increased vigilance for globe injuries that require prompt ophthalmological evaluation following blepharoplasty, especially considering the observed delay in presentation and the extent of visual morbidity. The study advocates for improved practitioner training in recognizing and managing these complications and underscores the importance of patient education regarding the potential risks and the necessity of timely postoperative care.

Self-sealing posterior scleral perforation in airgun ocular trauma, surgical tip: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Intraorbital metallic foreign bodies have varied clinical presentations. Here, we report the unusual case of intraoperative evidence of spontaneously healed posterior scleral perforation in a severe ballistic trauma without previous instrumental signs of penetrating wound and complete visual restoration after surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was hit by several lead hunting pellets in the chest, abdomen, limbs, face and orbit. Computed Tomography (CT) images revealed the presence of a pellet within the orbitary cavity, close to the optic nerve, with no signs of penetrating ocular wound. While performing vitrectomy for severe vitreous hemorrhage, a point of strong adherence between a old hemorrhage and retinal surface was identified and managed conservatively, as it was attributed to trauma related-impact area. So, lead foreign body took an unusual trajectory impacting the globe and finally lodging back in the deep orbitary cavity, in absence of significant ocular injury and with visual prognosis preservation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide further information on orbital injuries from airguns, a theme of growing popularity and concern. Intraoperative recognition of hardly removable old hemorrhagic clot as self-blockage site of posterior scleral penetrating trauma, allowed for surgical stabilization and minimal solicitation of the area to avoid inadvertent perforation.

Scleral surgical repair through the use of nanostructured fibrin/agarose-based films in rabbits.

Scleral defects can result as a consequence of trauma, infectious diseases or cancer and surgical repair with allogeneic scleral grafts can be required. However, this method has limitations and novel alternatives are needed. Here, the efficacy of acellular nanostructured fibrin-agarose hydrogel-based substitutes (NFAH) in the repair of scleral defects in rabbits was studied. For this, scleral defects of 5-mm diameter were made on 18 adult-male New Zealand rabbits and repaired with acellular NFAH, NFAH crosslinked with genipin (NFAH-GP) or glutaraldehyde (NFAH-GA), allogeneic scleral grafts as control (C-CTR) or not repaired (negative control N-CTR) (n = 3 each). Macroscopic and histological analyses were performed after 40-days. Macroscopy confirmed the repair of all defects in a comparable manner than the C-CTR. Histology showed no degradation nor integration in C-CTR while NFAH-GP and NFAH-GA biomaterials were encapsulated by connective and inflammatory tissues with partial biodegradation. The NFAH were fully biodegraded and replaced by a loose connective tissue and sclera covering the defects. This in vivo study demonstrated that the NFAH are a promising biocompatible and pro-regenerative alternative to the use of allogeneic cadaveric grafts. However, large defects and long-term studies are needed to demonstrate the potential clinical usefulness of these substitutes.

Investigation of scleral thermal injuries caused by ultrasonic pars plana phacoemulsification and aspiration using pig eyes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the thermal injuries caused by ultrasonic pars plana phacoemulsification and aspiration (PPPEA) using pig eyes. METHOD: Using a 20-gauge (G) vitrectomy system (Accurus®, Fragmatome; Alcon Laboratories) in both the 'open-tip' and 'closed-tip' techniques, PPPEA was performed in pig eyes and the subsequent thermal injuries generated around the scleral wound were measured by infrared thermal imaging (thermography). Post surgery, the state of the scleral wound was observed under a microscope, and a tissue slice containing the scleral wound was then prepared and observed under an optical microscope. RESULTS: Thermography measurements revealed a slight temperature rise around the scleral wound in the open-tip case, yet a marked temperature rise in the closed-tip case. The scleral wound incision produced by the open tip was linear, while that produced by the closed tip was expanded. Histological examination revealed mild degeneration of the sclera around the wound in the open-tip case, yet marked tissue degeneration by thermal injuries in the closed-tip case. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that in PPPEA, the temperature of the tip of a 20G vitrectomy system rapidly increases due to the closed-tip technique, thus producing obvious thermal damage to the scleral wound. In order to prevent thermal injuries to the scleral wound during PPPEA, it is important to shorten the time of ultrasonic oscillation during surgery as much as possible while the tip is occluded with nuclear fragments.

New Innovative Approaches for Difficult Retained Intraocular Foreign Bodies.

PURPOSE: To describe innovative ways of removal of complicated difficult large retained intraocular foreign bodies (RIOFBs). SETTINGS: Both cases were treated at Disha Eye Hospitals, Kolkata, a tertiary eye hospital in eastern India. METHODS: Innovative approaches were taken to remove 2 difficult RIOFBs. In the first case, a large RIOFB was just beyond the posterior exit wound, trapped in the sclera. A 23-G MVR blade was used to create multiple radial releasing scleral nicks and bimanually moving the RIOFB into the vitreous cavity using a bent-tip 24G needle and magnet, and the RIOFB was removed through the limbal section. In the second case, a 21-mm long thick nail was deeply embedded in the superior sclera with partial localised retinal detachment with its bulbous end just behind the clear lens. A lasso technique was used to remove the RIOFB without lens touch. RESULTS: In the first case, the patient finally achieved logMAR 0.2 vision after silicone oil removal and glued scleral fixation of the intraocular lens. In the second case, the patient finally achieved logMAR 0.3 vision after silicone oil removal and phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. CONCLUSION: Each case of RIOFB is unique and challenging. Here, innovative techniques are helpful to rescue these difficult RIOFB situations, which can result in excellent outcomes.

Pediatric posttraumatic endophthalmitis.

BACKGROUND: To identify the etiology, pars plana vitrectomy results, culture results, and visual outcome of endophthalmitis in the pediatric age group. METHODS: Fifteen eyes of 15 consecutive pediatric patients who were treated and followed up for endophthalmitis between July 2011 and December 2012 were included in this study. Combined pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal norvancomycin plus ceftazidime injection was performed on all 15 eyes. The vitreous samples were obtained by a standard pars plana vitrectomy. The specimens were sent to microbiology facility for gram staining, culturing, and sensitivity testing. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 5.3 ± 2.8 years (3-10 years). The mean follow-up time was 9.7 ± 1.5 months (7-12 months). Preoperatively, the visual acuities of the patients were as follows: light perception (n = 7), hand movements (n = 4), and counting fingers from 30 cm (n = 1), and these values were not available in three patients (n = 3). Postoperatively, the final best corrected visual acuity was 20/200 or better in six (40 %), counting of fingers in four (26.7 %), light perception to hand movements in two (13.3 %), and no light perception in one (6.7 %), with results being unavailable for two patients. Positive culture results were obtained from ten eyes (66.7 %). A single species was isolated in eight eyes, and multiple organisms were isolated in two eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Penetrating ocular trauma was the most common cause of pediatric endophthalmitis in this consecutive series of endophthalmitis. Staphylococci and Streptococcus species were the most common isolated organisms. Patients with multiple organisms had poor visual recovery. Visual outcomes were poor in this series in spite of vitrectomy being performed immediately on all patients.

PROGNOSTIC INDICATORS OF VISUAL ACUITY AFTER OPEN GLOBE INJURY AND RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR.

PURPOSE: To identify prognostic indicators of postoperative visual acuity and retinal detachment (RD) in open globe injuries. METHODS: Retrospective review of 50 adult open globe injuries between September 2011 and March 2014. Hierarchical multivariable regression was used to evaluate relationships among injury characteristics, postoperative visual acuity, and RD after age adjustment. RESULTS: Mean participant age was 46.2 years, and mean follow-up was 1.2 years. Blunt trauma accounted for 58% of injuries (29/50), and the wound extended posteriorly into sclera in 64% of cases (32/50). The retinal detachment occurred in 40% of patients (20/50), 95% of whom had developed vitreous hemorrhage (19/20). Multivariable regression revealed that preoperative visual acuity (P = 0.0010), posterior wound extension (P = 0.022), and RD (P = 0.0038) independently predicted postoperative visual acuity. No other injury characteristic was related to postoperative visual acuity after adjustment for preoperative visual acuity. Vitreous hemorrhage predicted RD (P < 0.001), and further consideration of preoperative visual acuity and other variables did not improve model fit. Moreover, among patients who underwent RD repair (n = 13), earlier vitrectomy after vitreous hemorrhage diagnosis (≤12 days) was associated with fewer macula-off RDs (P = 0.018) and better postoperative visual acuity (P = 0.0055). CONCLUSION: Preoperative visual acuity, posterior wound extension, and RD significantly influenced postoperative visual acuity after open globe injury. Vitreous hemorrhage predicted RD, and prompt intervention after detection may improve visual outcomes.

Combination management by C-arm fluoroscopy and extraocular muscle severance for penetrating ocular trauma with a retrobulbar foreign body.

We report here the successful removal of a retrobulbar metallic foreign body in a patient with penetrating ocular trauma by a transconjunctival approach and combination management with C-arm fluoroscopy and extraocular muscle severance. A 37-year-old man sustained a penetrating injury to the right eye while using an iron hammer. Initial slitlamp examination revealed a corneoscleral laceration, iridocele, anterior chamber collapse, and a traumatic cataract. Visual acuity in the right eye was limited to the perception of hand motion. Computed tomography revealed an orbital foreign body in the retrobulbar area. The patient underwent corneoscleral suturing, severance of extraocular muscles, removal of the foreign body with guidance by C-arm fluoroscopy, pars plana lensectomy, and pars plana vitrectomy. Combination management with C-arm fluoroscopy and extraocular muscle severance may thus be a suitable approach to the removal of a retrobulbar metallic foreign body.

Unusual intraocular foreign bodies after an explosion: patient's hand bone fragments.

A 26-year-old Turkish Army soldier underwent full ophthalmoscopic examination after a penetrating ocular injury in the left eye due to the accidental explosion of a detonating fuse during handling. Visual acuity of the left eye was hand motion level. Funduscopy revealed foreign bodies suspended in the vitreous gel and accompanying vitreous haemorrhage. B-scan ultrasonography, CT of the orbits and microscopic examination of the intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) were performed prior to removal of bone fragments and pars plana vitrectomy. The IOFBs were fragments of the patients' bone tissue. Bone fragments from victim's body may cause IOFBs after an explosion in military personnel.

The clinical characteristics of alcohol-related ocular rupture.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of drunken patients treated for ocular rupture, and to compare these results to patients injured without alcohol consumption. DESIGN AND METHODS: The medical records of 182 patients with or without alcohol consumption before injury who were treated and followed up because of ocular rupture at the Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University from October 2007 to October 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. The characteristics and outcomes of 45 alcohol-related injury patients were compared with the rest in the cohort. The clinical data included in this study were: anatomic sites and length of the wound, involvement of ocular adnexa injuries, evisceration rate, and final mean visual acuity. RESULTS: Wound locations were significantly different between the alcohol-related group and the non-alcohol-related one. Compared with the non-alcohol-related ocular rupture population, the anatomic sites of the drunken patients were more likely to be located at zone I and zone II (60.0 vs 40.1 %; χ2 = 5.39,P < 0.05). The difference of wound length between the alcohol-related group and the non-alcohol-related one was significant. The alcohol-related patients had a longer wound length (Z = -8.590,P < 0.05). Compared with the non-alcohol population, the alcohol-consuming patients were more likely to suffer adnexa injuries (84.4 vs 59.8 %; χ2 = 5.86,P < 0.05), and had worse final visual acuities (Z = -7.195,P < 0.05). The evisceration rate of the alcohol-related patients was significantly higher than the non-alcohol patients (24.4 vs 9.4 %; χ2 = 6.62,P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Drinking more easily leads to injury of the front part of eyes. Moreover, the drunken patients had a worse visual acuity outcome, longer wound length, higher evisceration rate, and were more prone to endure adnexa injuries. The importance of prevention and education to recognize the hazards of drinking cannot be overemphasized.

Wound-related complications and clinical outcomes following open globe injury repair.

BACKGROUND: Careful surgical management of traumatic wounds is important in open globe injury repair. This study examines the clinical outcomes following repair of open globe injuries with particular focus on wound-related issues. DESIGN: Retrospective, cohort study of consecutive open globe injuries presenting to a tertiary referral eye hospital from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2011. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 267 eyes of 263 patients, mainly male (82.5%) with a mean age of 44.8 (range: 4-97) years. Average follow up was 6.9 months. METHODS: All cases classified according to Ocular Trauma Classification Group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual outcomes, risk factors for and rates of postoperative complications and endophthalmitis. RESULTS: There were 83 globe ruptures, 182 penetrating and 2 perforating eye injuries, of which 43 cases had intraocular foreign body. Factors contributing to final visual acuity (VA) <6/60 were poor presenting VA (odds ratio [OR] = 16.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.81-53.1), globe rupture (OR = 4.64, [1.99-10.8]), retinal detachment (OR = 3.40, [1.19-9.74]) and age ≥50 (OR = 2.45, [1.05-5.74]). Wound leak occurred in 44 eyes (16%). Of these, 18 (41%) proceeded to re-suturing. Factors contributing to wound leak were stellate-shaped wound (OR = 3.28, [1.39-7.73]) and delayed presentation (OR = 2.80, [1.02-7.71]). Ten eyes (3.7%) developed endophthalmitis. Factors associated with endophthalmitis were delayed presentation (OR = 8.91, [1.71-46.6]), microbial keratitis (OR = 12.5, [1.85-85.0]) and lens capsule breach (OR = 12.4, [1.85-83.1]). CONCLUSIONS: Wound leak is an important postoperative complication of open globe injury repair. Delayed presentation is an important risk factor for postoperative wound leak and endophthalmitis. Prompt and meticulous wound management of open globe injury may reduce these complications.

Functional and high resolution retinal imaging assessment in a case of ocular siderosis.

PURPOSE: To report new findings in a case of ocular siderosis explored by high resolution angiography and adaptive optics (AO). METHODS: We report data on a 40-year-old man with an intraocular foreign body (IOFB) embedded in the sclera after hammering. RESULTS: Nine months after this accident, the patient presented with full-field electroretinogram (FF-ERG) abnormalities. Subsequent IOFB extraction was performed. One month after the surgery, high resolution angiography showed for the first time small iron particles all over the inner retinal surface. Spreading of these deposits was followed by inflammatory prepapillary new vessels and venous retinal vasculatis, which spontaneously resolved within a few months. ERG responses became slightly electronegative at this time. Clearance of the iron particles was followed over a year with AO and ERG recording. AO revealed an arterial tropism with a decrease in the amount of particles overtime, which may be consistent with macrophagic activity. CONCLUSION: High resolution angiography and AO are new tools, combined with electrophysiology, to better understand ocular siderosis pathophysiology.

Screw implantation in the globe: the risk of delayed hardware migration from craniofacial repair.

Plating system modification has enabled the use of rigid fixation in younger patients having maxillofacial surgery. One of the common reported complications of the use of plates and screws in children is screw migration due to skeletal maturation. Ophthalmic complications due to maxillofacial surgery reported to date include oculomotor and abducens palsies, lacrimal damage and vision loss due to infection, retrobulbar hemorrhage, and compartment syndrome. We describe a complication unique to screw migration resulting in orbital fixation and near-globe rupture in a patient with Treacher Collins syndrome. We hope to alert our colleagues to the potential risk of screw and hardware migration and breakage, particularly in the setting of craniofacial surgery performed on a child before maturation of craniofacial osseous structures.

Numerical and clinical analysis of an eyeball injuries under direct impact.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to develop a numerical model of the eyeball and orbit to simulate a blunt injury to the eyeball leading to its rupture, as well as to conduct a comparative analysis of the results obtained using the finite element method against the clinical material concerning patients who had suffered an eyeball rupture due to a blunt force trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using available sclera biometric and strength data, a numerical model of the eyeball, the orbital contents, and the bony walls were developed from the ground up. Then, 8 different blunt force injury scenarios were simulated. The results of numerical analyses made it possible to identify possible locations and configurations of scleral rupture. The obtained results were compared against the clinical picture of patients hospitalized at the Department of Ophtalmology, Medical University of Gdansk in 2010-2016 due to isolated blunt force trauma to the eyeball. RESULTS: It has been demonstrated that the extent of damage observed on the numerical model that indicated a possible location of eyeball rupture did not differ from the clinically observed configurations of the scleral injuries. It has been found that the direction of the impact applied determines the location of eyeball rupture. Most often the rupture occurs at the point opposite to the clock-hour/positions of the impact application. The eyeball rupture occurs in the first 7-8 ms after the contact with the striking rigid object. It has been established that the injuries most often affected the upper sectors of the eyeball. Men are definitely more likely to sustain such injuries. Eyeball ruptures lead to significant impairment of visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: This study may contribute to a better understanding of injury mechanisms and better treatment planning. It may also contribute to the development of eyeball protection methods for employees exposed to ocular injuries. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(2):263-73.

Scleral perforation complicating titanium mesh plaque in orbital blowout fracture.

A 27-year-old man who underwent a previous reconstruction surgery for left orbital blowout fracture and recent revision surgery for left cicatricial ectropion was admitted to the ophthalmology outpatient clinic with a 20-mm irregular conjunctival and scleral incision in the left eye at the 6-o'clock position. The scleral and conjunctival incisions were repaired, and during the operation, the anterior end of the titanium mesh plate was visible at the inferior orbital rim. The plastic surgery team removed the irritating end of the plate. Obvious adherence of periocular tissues onto the titanium implant and fibrovascular ingrowth through the implant were seen during this operation. The possible mechanism for the misdirection of the anterior end of the implant might be explained by iatrogenic rotation during the revision of the cicatricial ectropion. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case demonstrating scleral incision caused by an orbital titanium implant.

Comparative study of 50 early- or late-onset retinal detachments after open or closed globe injury.

PURPOSE: To compare initial findings and final prognosis of retinal detachments (RDs) secondary to open or closed ocular injuries. METHODS: This prospective study comprised 50 consecutive patients with open (n = 25, with initial successful repair) or closed (n = 25) globe injuries during a 3-year period (2004-2007), with follow-up of at least 6 months (10.1 ± 5.8 months). The most common surgical procedure (76%) was pars plana vitrectomy. RESULTS: Clinical findings were similar in both groups for RD location and extent, frequency of macular involvement, number and nature of tears, and grade of proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Retinal detachment secondary to open/closed globe injury differed significantly, with longer time to onset after trauma, lower frequency in children, and higher rate of aphakia. Final anatomical and functional prognosis and rate of RD recurrence (25%) were similar in both groups. Good final visual prognosis (≥20/40) was significantly associated with initial visual acuity >20/200 and macula-on RD. Definitive redetachments (n = 3) were related to history of posttrauma endophthalmitis, posterior intraocular foreign body, or severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy. CONCLUSION: Final prognosis was similar in eyes with RD secondary to open and closed globe injuries. The surgical technique depended mainly on lens status, type of retinal tear (dialysis and giant retinal tear), and the presence of preoperative proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Final prognosis (visual acuity ≥20/40) was associated with initial visual acuity >20/200 and macula-on status.

Sharp-object-induced open-globe injuries in Iranian children admitted to a major tertiary center: a prospective review of 125 cases.

UNLABELLED: Ocular trauma in children can result in catastrophic visual and psychological outcomes both for the child and his/her family. According to the WHO, childhood blindness is one of the major causes of avoidable blindness and so target of the Vision 2020 program. To achieve this program's goals, it is necessary to explore the epidemiological patterns of ocular trauma in different countries which in its turn could be a valuable means to guide us in developing preventive measures. Our study is a hospital-based prospective study which was conducted to reveal detailed information about children who were admitted to a large tertiary care hospital with the diagnosis of lacerating globe injury due to a sharp object. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 6-month period (December 2006 to June 2007), 125 eyes of 125 children (age ≤16 years) with the diagnosis of open-globe injury were enrolled. Clinical data were documented. Demographic data and details of the event were explored and documented based on the study questionnaire (adopting the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology and the United States Eye Injury Registry model as basis) by interviewing the parents and the child. RESULTS: The mean age was 8.5 years (SD = 4.36 years, range: 1-16). The boys:girls ratio was 2.5:1; this ratio was age dependent, showing a significant increase with age. The home was the most frequent place (61.7%) for the trauma to occur in. Most traumas (50%) occurred in the afternoon (12 midday to 6 p.m.). Almost half of the traumas were unintentional self-injuries and occurred when the child was alone. A knife and fireworks were the two most frequent causes of injury. CONCLUSION: As the home is the most common place of ocular trauma in this age group and as lack of proper supervision and accessibility of sharp objects such as knives are the background of the event in most cases, it is strongly recommended to educate parents about providing a safe environment at home for their children. Work-related eye injuries in this age group should also be reduced by regulations for prohibiting children's work or at least providing the necessary education and safety goggles.

Repair of a scleral defect with an autogenous fascia lata graft in a dog.

A case of a traumatic scleral rupture with uveal herniation in a dog was treated with an autogenous fascia lata graft. Placement of the graft resolved the uveal prolapse and resulted in return of strength and a more normal structure. Fascia lata appears to be an effective scaffolding graft for the repair of scleral defects. It is cheap, easily harvested and large grafts may be obtained. Healing was rapid and the end result was a cosmetic, comfortable, fully functional eye.