EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY OF INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING WITH DIFFERENT FORCEPS FOR MACULAR DISEASE.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficiency and safety of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling between the Sharkskin forceps and End-grasping forceps in various macular diseases. METHODS: It is a prospective cohort block-randomized study conducted in a tertiary medical center. Seventy subjects with macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular traction syndrome, or myopic foveoschisis, receiving pars plana vitrectomy and ILM peeling surgery were equally divided into Sharkskin forceps group and End-grasping forceps group. The duration of ILM peeling, the number of attempts to initiate peeling, and peeling-related retinal damage were evaluated by recorded video and optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: In the Sharkskin group, the authors demonstrated significantly fewer attempts to initiate ILM peeling compared with End-grasping group, with an average of 1.9 and 3.1 attempts ( P = 0.0001) and a lower incidence of retinal microstructural damage (20% vs. 45%, P < 0.0001). Moreover, the mean depth of inner retinal injury at the initiating site exhibited distinct difference postoperatively at 3 months between the Sharkskin group then the End-grasping group (4.3 vs. 30.0 µ m, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Sharkskin forceps provide better efficiency and outcome in ILM peeling in patients with various vitreomacular interface diseases, including reduced risk of retinal injury and fewer attempts to initiate ILM flap.

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TRAUMATIC RETINAL DETACHMENT AFTER OPEN AND CLOSED GLOBE INJURIES IN CHILDREN.

PURPOSE: Pediatric traumatic retinal detachment (RD) resulting from open globe injuries (OGIs) or closed globe injuries (CGIs) presents unique challenges due to complexity often resulting in lifelong sequelae. This study compares pediatric traumatic RD outcomes and prognostic factors following OGI and CGI. METHODS: A retrospective analysis reviewed 47 cases of pediatric traumatic RD in children (age <18 years), who underwent RD surgery between 2002 and 2021. Among them, 25 cases were caused by CGI and 22 cases by OGI. Demographics, RD characteristics, surgical procedures, and anatomical and functional results were assessed. Predictive factors for visual outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: In the CGI group, mean (±SD) age was 11 years ± 4 years, and 10 years ± 5 years in the OGI group. Closed globe injury traumatic RD had significantly better preoperative (CGI: logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 1.39 ± 0.19 (mean ± standard error); OGI: logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 2.12 ± 0.20) and follow-up (CGI: logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 0.94 ± 0.19; OGI: logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 1.85 ± 0.20) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ( P < 0.05). Initial BCVA improvement was observed in CGI only. In multivariable analysis, prognostic factors for favorable BCVA outcomes included higher preoperative BCVA, older age, and absence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Visual prognosis for pediatric traumatic RD remains limited, favoring CGI cases compared with OGI. Baseline BCVA emerged as a major determinant of final visual acuity. Tailored management approaches can optimize treatment results.

Characteristics of ocular injuries associated with mortality in patients admitted with major trauma.

BACKGROUND: Few ocular trauma studies have addressed mortality outcomes. We sought to determine characteristics of mortality-related ocular trauma admissions and compared them with non-fatal injuries. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using de-identified data of patients admitted with major trauma from the National Trauma Data Bank (2008-2014). Patients with ocular injury were identified using ICD- 9CM codes. Demographics, intention and mechanism, types of ocular and head injuries, and injury severity were documented. Mortality was determined using post-admission disposition. Statistical analysis using student t-test, chi-square, and odds ratios (OR) calculations were performed with STATA-17 software. Significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Of 316,485 patients admitted with ocular trauma, 12,233 (3.86%) were mortality related. Expired patients were older than survivors: mean (SD) of 50.1(25.5) vs. 41.5(22.8) years. White (OR = 1.32; P < 0.001), ≥ 65years old (OR = 2.25; P < 0.001), and male (OR = 1.05; P = 0.029) patients were most likely to expire than their counterparts. Common mechanisms of injury in survivors were falls (25.3%), motor vehicle traffic-occupant, MVTO (21.8%) and struck by/against (18.1%) and for fatal injuries, falls (29.7%), MVTO (21.9%) and firearms (11.5%). Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was documented in 88.2% of mortality-related admissions. Very severe injury severity scores (ISS > 24) (OR = 19.19; P < 0.001) and severe Glasgow Coma Score (GCS < 8) (OR = 19.22; P < 0.001) were most associated with mortality than survival. Firearms were most associated with very severe ISS (OR = 3.73; P < 0.001), severe GCS (OR = 4.68; P < 0.001) and mortality (OR = 5.21; P < 0.001) than other mechanisms. Patients with cut/pierce injuries had the greatest odds of survival (OR = 13.48; P < 0.001). Optic nerve/visual pathways injuries (3.1%) had the highest association with very severe ISS (OR = 2.51; P < 0.001), severe GCS (OR = 3.64; P < 0.001) and mortality (OR = 2.58; P < 0.001) than other ocular injuries. Black patients with very severe ISS (OR = 32.14; P < 0.001) and severe GCS (OR = 31.89; P < 0.001) were more likely to expire than other race/ethnicities with similar injury severity. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality-related admissions were older, male, and mostly of White race than ocular trauma admissions of survivors. Firearms were the deadliest mechanism. TBI was commonly associated and patients with optic nerve/pathway injuries, very severe ISS and severe GCS had higher mortality rates. Characteristics and demographic variations identified in this study may be useful in developing focused measures aimed at preventing trauma-related deaths.

A potential role for inflammatory cytokines in a rare late-onset capsular block syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Late-onset capsule block syndrome (CBS) is a rare complication of cataract phacoemulsification and the implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL), which manifests six months to years after surgery. The hallmark of CBS is the formation of an opaque liquid substance between the implanted intraocular lens (IOL) and the posterior capsule. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old female patient with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (axis length < 21 mm) underwent trabeculectomy surgery combined with phacoemulsification and PCIOL. After a 4-year follow-up, a decline in visual acuity occurred in her right eye due to the location of opaque fluid in the visual axis and distension of the capsular bag. The initial course of action was to release the trapped fluid. Neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG) laser capsulotomy could not be employed due to her non-dilating pupil and high extension of the posterior capsule. Subsequently, anterior capsule peeling and anterior segment vitrectomy surgery were performed. The depth of the anterior chamber (ACD), the distance between the face of the retro-IOL and the posterior capsule, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the visual quality (VQ) were measured both before and after surgery. Inflammatory cytokine levels in the opaque substances (OS) trapped between the PCIOL and the posterior capsule were assessed using a flow cytometer and compared to normal statistical data in aqueous humor. After surgery, the patient experienced a significant improvement in BCVA and VQ. The distance between the face of the retro-IOL and the posterior capsule was on the verge of disappearing. However, ACD did not differ between pre- and post-operatively. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) concentrations were higher in the OS than in aqueous humor, especially in the former. However, the concentration of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) in the OS was lower than in aqueous humor. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior segment vitrectomy surgery proved to be a successful treatment for late-onset CBS, presenting a challenging case. In the human lens, inflammatory cytokines originating from the opaque substances may contribute to abnormal metabolism in the sealed area, a consequence of late-onset CBS.

Giant corneal keloid following Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty for the treatment of corneal decompensation secondary to trauma.

PURPOSE: This report aims to present a case of corneal keloid caused by chronic corneal insult after trauma and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old male with a history of vision loss in the right eye was referred to our hospital. The patient underwent Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation to alleviate elevated intraocular pressure after ocular trauma to the same eye. One year following the procedure, the eye developed endothelial failure, leading to the performance of Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) with repositioning of the shunt tube. Upon initial examination, a well-circumscribed elevated white opaque lesion involving the central corneal surface of the RE was observed. Based on the patient's clinical history, slit lamp examination, and UBM findings, the diagnosis of corneal keloid was established. Superficial keratectomy was performed. Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of corneal keloid. Following the procedure, BCVA improved slightly. However, 3 months later, the patient underwent a penetrating keratoplasty for visual rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Corneal keloids should be considered following any form of ocular trauma, particularly in cases involving ocular surgery. Diagnosing corneal keloids can sometimes be challenging due to the variety of potential differentials; however, by carefully evaluating the patient's medical history and clinical presentation, we can effectively narrow down the differential diagnosis of corneal conditions.

Modified technique for sutured scleral fixated intraocular lens in a patient with post-traumatic aniridia and aphakia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: A modified surgical technique of sutured scleral fixated intraocular lens (SSF-IOL) was applied in a patient with post-traumatic aniridia and aphakia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old man was referred to our clinic with decreased vision (finger count) in his right eye. This patient had previously undergone primary repair of the ruptured globe and pars plana vitrectomy to manage ocular trauma in the same eye. On presentation, the best corrected visual acuity in his right eye was 20/40. The slit lamp examination of his right eye revealed loss of total iris and lens. Corneal endothelial cell density was 1462 cells/mm2. Fundoscopic examination of the right eye revealed a retinal attachment. For IOL implantation, a rigid poly methyl methacrylate IOL was used with a 2-point scleral fixation performed using a polypropylene suture. One year postoperatively, the uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/32, and the manifest refraction was - 0.5/-1.5 × 130 (20/20). Pentacam revealed that the astigmatism of the anterior corneal surface and the total cornea was 1.1 D (axis: 59.8°) and 1.0 D (axis: 35.6°), respectively. The horizontal (3°-183°) cross-section image displayed an IOL with a 1° tilt and 0.425 mm decentration. The patient reported no dysphotopsia or photophobia and was satisfied with the visual results. OPD-scan III revealed that higher-order aberrations in the right eye were slightly higher than those in the left eye. No suture-related or other serious complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The modified SSF-IOL technique can offer improved visual quality for patients with aniridia and aphakia by ensuring proper IOL positioning and reducing astigmatism.

Ocular trauma from Lawn mower accidents: Clinical insights, visual outcomes and microbial profiles.

AIMS: To characterize the clinical features of ocular trauma resulting from lawn mower, identify determinants of unfavorable final visual acuity (FVA), and assess the spectrum of microbial in posttraumatic endophthalmitis. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients who experienced ocular trauma due to lawn mower at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from January 2013 to August 2021. Demographics, clinical features, isolated microorganisms, risk factors influencing reduced visual acuity, treatment regimens, and utilization of eyewear were collected. RESULTS: The study included 140 participants (140 eyes) (49.47 ± 12.03 years, 95% male). The predominant injury manifestations were penetrating globe injuries (75.7%) and intraocular foreign bodies (51.4%). Endophthalmitis occurred in 35 cases (25%) and Bacillus cereus (23.5%) was the primary pathogen, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (11.8%) and Streptococcus species (11.8%). Following the initial assessment, where 77.9% of patients had initial visual acuity (IVA) at grade IV (ranging from light perception to 4/200) and only 0.7% attained grade I (better than 20/40), post-treatment results revealed that 5.7% achieved FVA at grade I, with a concurrent decrease in patients with grade IV vision to 64.3%. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that injury protection (p < 0.001, OR = 0.237, 95% CI = 0.126-0.446), IVA (p = 0.001, OR = 4.102, 95% CI = 1.730-9.729), and retinal detachment (p = 0.042, OR = 8.105, 95% CI = 1.075-61.111) were significant independent risk factors impacting FVA. CONCLUSION: Lawn mower often cause severe ocular injuries, with high-velocity metal foreign bodies that can lead to infections, most commonly caused by Bacillus cereus. Correct use of protective gear, initial vision assessment, and detecting retinal detachment are crucial for visual prognosis.

Characteristics and associations of ocular and non-ocular manifestations of shaken baby syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Shaken baby syndrome (SBS), a subset of abusive head trauma, results from non-accidental, violent head shaking. Most survivors suffer permanent neurological sequelae. Accurate diagnosis is imperative and remains challenging. The purpose of this study is to describe ocular injuries and associated neurotrauma in suspected SBS. METHODS: We retrospectively surveyed the National Trauma Data Bank 2008-2014 for patients ≤ 3 years old admitted for suspected SBS. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-seven (13.9%) of 2495 patients who were ≤ 3 years old were admitted with abusive head trauma and ocular injuries which resulted from suspected SBS. Most were < 1 year old (87.9%) and male (54.2%). Common eye injuries were retinal hemorrhages (30.5%), eye/adnexa contusion (14.7%), and retinal edema (10.7%). Common neurotrauma were subdural (75.5%), subarachnoid (23.9%), and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (10.4%). Mean (SD) Injury Severity Score was severe, 20.2 (8.2), and Glasgow Coma Score was moderate, 9.2 (12.8). The mortality rate was 16.7%. Retinal hemorrhages were not significantly associated with one type of neurotrauma over others. Ocular/adnexa contusion (OR 4.06; p < 0.001) and commotio retinae/Berlin's edema (OR 5.27; p < 0.001) had the greatest association with ICH than other neurotrauma. Optic neuropathy (OR 21.33; p < 0.001) and ICH (OR 3.34; p < 0.001) had the highest associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports previous studies showing that retinal and subdural hemorrhages were the most common ocular injury and neurotrauma in SBS, respectively. However, we did not find a significant propensity for their concurrence. Commotio retinae/Berlin's edema was significantly associated with both intracerebral and subdural hemorrhages.

Diagnostic Value of Point-of-Care Ultrasound-Guided Assessment of Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect in Adult Ocular Trauma Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Early diagnosis of relative afferent pupillary defects (RAPDs) in patients with ocular trauma is crucial for timely management and improved outcomes. However, clinical examination can be challenging for patients with periorbital ecchymosis. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and clinical examination by emergency physicians for detecting RAPD in adult ocular trauma patients and to evaluate the proportion of RAPD in patients with ocular trauma who presented to the ED. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted at an academic emergency department in South India. Adult ocular trauma patients were assessed for RAPD using clinical examinations by emergency physicians and POCUS. The diagnostic accuracies of both methods were compared, with the ophthalmologist's final diagnosis serving as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for both techniques. RESULTS: A total of 376 patients (median age, 35 years) were included in this study. RAPD was identified in 14.63% of the patients. The sensitivity and specificity of POCUS in detecting RAPD were 92.73% and 99.38%, respectively, which were higher than those of clinical examination, with a sensitivity of 81.82% and specificity of 99.07%. The PPV and NPV of the clinical examination were 93.75% and 96.95%, respectively, whereas the PPV and NPV of POCUS were 96.23% and 98.76%, respectively. POCUS accurately diagnosed RAPD in patients with periorbital ecchymosis. CONCLUSION: POCUS-guided RAPD assessment proves to be a better diagnostic adjunct compared to clinical examination in patients with ocular trauma presenting to the emergency department.

Orbital Trapdoor Fracture With Extraocular Muscle Entrapment in Adults: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To report adult patients with an orbital trapdoor fracture with extraocular muscle entrapment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 566 adult patients (>18 years) with a pure orbital fracture who were referred to us from January 2016 to May 2023. The following data were collected: age, sex, affected side, causes of injury, concomitant ocular injury and nasal bone fracture, presence or absence of oculocardiac reflex and infraorbital nerve hypesthesia, period from injury to surgery, follow-up period, and pre- and postoperative limitation of extraocular muscle motility and fields of a binocular single vision. RESULTS: We found 5 patients (0.9%) with an orbital trapdoor fracture with extraocular muscle entrapment (age range, 19-47 years; all males; 2 right and 3 left). Causes of injury included performing a bench press, fall, assault, boxing, and bicycle accident. Entrapment of the inferior and medial recti muscles was seen in 2 and 3 patients, respectively. None of the patients had any sign of oculocardiac reflex. After surgical reduction, the field of binocular single vision became normal in 3 patients and was incompletely recovered in 2 patients, in whom consultation with us was delayed. CONCLUSION: Adults with extraocular muscle entrapment may not present with an oculocardiac reflex. Urgent release of an entrapped muscle is, however, still recommended to avoid permanent limitation of extraocular muscle motility.

Zone 1 trauma: wound dehiscence compared to primary trauma.

PURPOSE: The study aims to assess if Zone 1 globe injuries hold a favorable prognosis for all situations, including wound dehiscence, or just primary traumatic injuries. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional chart review of patients who underwent open globe repair from 1/1/2019 to 12/1/2020 at an urban hospital setting was evaluated for final visual outcomes, associated ocular pathology, long-term complications, and need for further surgeries. RESULTS: Fifty-eight eyes were identified-38 primary trauma and 20 dehisced wounds (11 penetrating keratoplasties, five clear corneal incisions, one laceration, one extracapsular cataract extraction, one radial keratotomy, and one tectonic graft). Dehisced wounds had more posterior segment pathology vs primary trauma, i.e., hemorrhagic choroidal, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, choroidal effusion (all 20% vs 2.63%, 5.26%, 5.26%, and 0%, respectively), vitreous prolapse (20% vs 2.63%), and uveal prolapse (80% vs 36.84%). Dehisced wounds had more traumatic aphakia (40% vs 0%) and dislocated lenses (15% vs 0%). Primary trauma was more likely to have traumatic cataracts (55.26% vs 10%) or no lens changes (44.74% vs 25%). About 10% dehisced wounds required enucleation (0% primary trauma). Cataract/secondary intraocular lens surgery was performed in 34% of the primary traumas (10% in dehisced wounds). Primary traumas achieved 20/40 vision or better in 44.74% (10% dehisced wounds). About 7.89% of patients with wound dehiscence ended with no light perception (none in primary trauma). CONCLUSION: Zone 1 open globe injuries due to wound dehiscence may exhibit worse prognosis compared to primary trauma open globe injury. More important than the zone of injury may be the source.

Clinical outcomes of traumatic globe rupture in corneal graft patients.

PURPOSE: This study reports the mechanisms, complications and graft survival following sight-threatening traumatic globe rupture in patients having previously undergone corneal transplantation in the same eye. METHODS: A retrospective, observational, single-center consecutive cohort study at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK over a 20-year period. Medical records and Newcastle Corneal Transplantation Service electronic database (eNCTS) review was undertaken of all consecutive patients who underwent corneal transplantation with a history of traumatic globe rupture. Main outcome measures include mechanism of injury, final best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), graft survival and complications. RESULTS: A total of 921 keratoplasties were undertaken between 1997 and 2017 with 24 (3.0%) patients identified with a history of traumatic globe rupture. A bimodal relationship of age and mechanism of trauma was observed. The mean age (SD) of individuals reporting cause as a fall was 71.5 (14.8) years, and 45.3 (20.8) years (P < 0.05) amongst individuals reporting accidental trauma or assault. The pre- and post-trauma mean (SD) LogMAR BCDVA was 0.6 (0.9) and 1.7 (1.0), respectively (P = 0.001). The overall graft-failure rate was 60.9% (11 grafts) during a mean (SD) follow-up period of 3.5 (4.1) years. Globe rupture with lens damage was associated with poorer final BCDVA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first published series from England for this type of patient cohort. Overall visual outcomes were poor with a bimodal relationship of age and mechanism of trauma. Worse prognostic factors included lens and posterior segment complications. Re-grafting in these select group of patients may prove valuable.

Visual-functional impact of people affected by severe ocular trauma during social protests in Chile in 2019.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact on the functionality associated with visual loss (VFIP) in people with severe ocular trauma (SOT) caused by kinetic impact projectiles used in police crowd control through a prioritization tool in people admitted to a rehabilitation program in Santiago de Chile from December 02, 2019, to November 13, 2020. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study of SOT victims (N = 85), average age 31.4 ± 11.9. The data were recorded through a new 9-item screening instrument for assessment and prioritization of rehabilitation created for this emergency scenario. RESULTS: The impact of the use of kinetic weapons resulted in monocular blindness in the majority of those affected (n = 68; 80.0%). The highest VFIP observed was among young men from lower social strata. There were extreme difficulties in the performance of productive tasks (occupational and/or educational) (n = 42; 49.4%) and the pursuit of hobbies and pastimes (n = 23; 27.1%), as well as a high difficulty in adapting to changes in brightness (n = 29; 34.1%) and handling objects accurately (n = 22; 25.9%). CONCLUSION: The use of kinetic weapons for crowd control resulted in high and extreme VFIP and, in most cases, monocular blindness, causing major difficulties in work, study, and development of hobbies and pastimes in the affected population, highlighting the urgent need for effective rehabilitative care, which requires special attention in order to generate an adequate rehabilitation program. The use of kinetic weapons for crowd control contravenes international goals, policies, and plans set by the WHO and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness on strategies to prevent avoidable blindness worldwide until 2020. It is essential to ban the use of these weapons in Chile and worldwide, as well as to revise police protocols for crowd control.

Efficacy of anti-VEGF intravitreal injection in traumatic submacular hemorrhage: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: In this study we investigated the efficacy of short-term intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) in treating traumatic submacular hemorrhage. METHODS: A total of 115 patients were diagnosed with submacular hemorrhage between 2018 and 2022 at Shenzhen Eye Hospital. In a retrospective analysis, we examined 13 of these patients who presented with submacular hemorrhage and choroidal rupture due to ocular trauma. Eight patients were treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injection and 5 with oral drugs. We systematically analyzed changes in their ocular conditions pre and post-treatment. The evaluations encompassed best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography, fundus fluorescein angiography, and retinal imaging. RESULTS: The 13 patients diagnosed with submacular hemorrhage comprised of 10 males and 3 female, with their age ranging between 27 and 64 years, with an average age of 38.1 years (standard deviation [SD]: 11.27). A statistically significant reduction in central foveal thickness (CFT) was observed following intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs (P = 0.03). In control group, the CFT was reduced without statistical significance (P = 0.10). The BCVA of the patients in treatment group improved significantly from 1.15 (SD: 0.62. Range: 0.4-2) to 0.63 (SD: 0.59. Range: 0.1-1.6), indicating an average increase of 4.13 lines (SD: 3.36. Range: 0-9) as measured by the visual acuity test using an eye chart (P = 0.01). The difference between baseline visual acuity and final visual acuity was not statistically significant in control group (P = 0.51). CONCLUSION: Short-term administration of anti-VEGF drugs exhibited significant efficacy in reducing submacular hemorrhage following ocular trauma and enhancing visual acuity.

Outcomes of Zone 3 Open Globe Injuries by Wound Extent: Subcategorization of Zone 3 Injuries Segregates Visual and Anatomic Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Open globe injuries (OGIs) are categorized by zone, with zone 3 (Z3) comprising wounds > 5 mm beyond the limbus. Outcomes of Z3 OGIs are highly heterogeneous. Open globe injuries with far posterior Z3 (pZ3) wounds were hypothesized to have worse visual and anatomic outcomes. DESIGN: Single-center retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 258 eyes with Z3 OGIs. METHODS: A retrospective review of Z3 OGIs treated at a tertiary center over 12 years. Wounds ≥ 10 mm posterior to the limbus were defined as pZ3. Outcomes were compared between pZ3 and anterior Z3 (aZ3) eyes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity on a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) scale. Secondary outcomes included anatomic outcomes, development of retinal detachment and proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and the number of secondary surgeries. RESULTS: A total of 258 Z3 OGI eyes with > 30 days follow-up were assessed; 161 (62%) were pZ3. At 3-month follow-up, pZ3 OGIs were more likely to exhibit no light perception (pZ3: 38%; aZ3: 17%; P < 0.003), lack count fingers vision (pZ3: 72%; aZ3: 43%; P < 0.002), and fail to read a letter on the eye chart (pZ3: 83%; aZ3: 64%; P < 0.001). The visual acuity distribution at 3 months was significantly worse for pZ3 compared with aZ3 injuries (P < 0.004). Similar results were found at final follow-up. Multiple linear regression showed that pZ3 location was independently associated with worse visual acuity (ß = 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.09-0.50, P < 0.006) in addition to presenting acuity, age, vitreous hemorrhage, uveal prolapse, and afferent pupillary defect. Far posterior wounds injuries were more likely to develop retinal detachments (pZ3: 87%; aZ3: 71%; P < 0.01) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (pZ3 66%; aZ3 47%; P < 0.03). Patients with pZ3 OGIs were significantly more likely to reach poor anatomic outcome (phthisis, enucleation, need for keratoprosthesis) compared with patients with aZ3 OGI (pZ3: 56%; aZ3: 40%; P < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior OGI extension independently portends worse visual and anatomic outcomes. The effect on visual outcome was durable and clinically relevant compared with established predictors of OGI outcomes. Application of these findings improves the prognostic precision and will guide future research efforts to optimize surgical decision-making in severe OGI cases. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Experimental evidence to understand mechanical causes of retinal detachment following blunt trauma.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to perform an in vitro experiment to simulate retinal detachment caused by blunt impact, and provide experimental evidence to understand mechanical causes of traumatic retinal detachment. METHODS: The experiment was conducted on twenty-two fresh porcine eyes using a bespoke pendulum testing device at two energy levels (0.1J for low energy and 1.0J for high energy). We examined dynamic forces and mechanical responses to the impact, including global deformations, intraocular pressure changes and the energy absorption. Another set of twenty-two eyes underwent pathological examination immediately after being subjected to blunt impact. Twelve additional intact eyes were examined as controls. All pathological sections were scored to indicate whether retinal detachment had occurred. RESULTS: A dynamic variation in intraocular pressure was detected following impact and exhibited an approximate sinusoidal oscillation-attenuation profile. The peaks of impact force were 12.9 ± 1.9 N at low-energy level and 34.8 ± 9.8 N at high-energy level, showing a significant difference (p < 0.001). The positive and negative peaks of intraocular pressure were 149.4 ± 18.9 kPa and -10.9 ± 7.2 kPa at low-energy level, and 274.5 ± 55.2 kPa and -35.7 ± 23.7 kPa at high-energy level, showing significant differences (p < 0.001 for both levels). Retinal detachments were observed in damaged eyes while few detachments were found in control eyes. The occurrence rate of retinal detachment differed significantly (p < 0.05) between the high- and low-energy impact groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided experimental evidence that shockwaves produced by blunt trauma break the force equilibrium and lead to the oscillation and negative pressure, which mainly contribute to traumatic retinal detachment.

Ocular injury from foam dart (Nerf) blasters: a case series.

To report clinical outcomes following ocular injury from foam dart (nerf) blasters - a spring-loaded toy guns that fire foam-coated darts or bullets at a relatively low velocity. These guns gained popularity in recent years among children and adolescents. Eleven patients with ocular injuries from foam dart blasters were included in this retrospective, single-center study. Visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and anterior segment, glaucoma-related, and vitreoretinal complications were recorded at each visit. The average age at presentation was 13.4 years and 82% were male. Mean initial VA was 6/12 (range 6/6 - 1/18); On initial examination, nine patients (82%) had hyphema, three (27%) had corneal abrasions, three (27%) had vitreous hemorrhage, and two (18%) had traumatic mydriasis. Four patients (36%) experienced glaucoma-related complications, including three (27%) with angle recession and three (27%) with increased IOP. Three patients (27%) were diagnosed with posterior segment injuries, including three (27%) with commotio retinae and one (9%) with severe retinal photoreceptor damage. No patients required surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Foam dart blasters can cause severe blunt ocular trauma and permanent visual loss, illustrating the need for eye protection when handling these toys. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Foam dart blasters, a blanket term for spring-loaded toy guns that fire foam-coated darts or bullets at a relatively low velocity, have gained popularity in recent years among pediatric populations, with an increase in associated ocular injuries. • To date, scattered case reporting provides insufficient insight into the full clinical spectrum of injury and prognosis of foam dart blasters related ocular injury. WHAT IS NEW: • This case series characterizes the myriad foam dart blasters injuries that may afflict the eye, most of which are self-limiting, but some of which may result in poor visual outcomes and lifelong disability in pediatric patients. • We strongly recommend that all users wear eye protection while using foam dart blasters.

The impact of primary repair timing on longitudinal visual outcomes after open globe injury.

BACKGROUND: The urgency with which to repair open globe injuries is a debated topic that lacks grounding in longitudinal visual outcomes data. We aim to test the association between primary repair timing and visual recovery potential following OGI. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of medical records from a US academic medical center (7/2017 to 11/2021). We included all patients with a principal diagnosis of OGI, a documented date and time of injury, presentation, repair, and ≥ 3 months of complete follow-up data on visual outcomes. We excluded those with prior OGI in the same eye. We also tested the correlation of injury to repair time (ITR) in hours with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, in logMAR units) at last follow-up in the general cohort and select subpopulations and the impact of repair delay on visual improvement over the follow-up period. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-nine patients with OGI were analyzed (91 patients with ≥ 3 months of follow-up). The majority were male (105/129, 81%) with a median age of 45 years. Most OGI involved zone 1 (57%), followed by zone 3 (24%), and zone 2 injuries (19%). Median ocular trauma score (OTS) was 60 (IQR 37-70); mean presenting BCVA was logMAR 1.9 (median 2.3, IQR 1.0-2.7). Median ITR was 22 h (IQR 15-30 h, range 5-199 h). ITR time did not significantly correlate with final BCVA (n = 91, ß = - 0.003, 95% CI - 0.009-0.002, P = 0.233), nor did it significantly increase the odds of developing ocular complications or requiring secondary ocular surgeries (OR 0.985, 95% CI 0.967-1.002, P = 0.085). Additionally, the rate of BCVA improvement over subsequent months of follow-up did not significantly differ based on ITR time. Presenting BCVA (R2 = 0.701, P < 0.001) and OTS (R2 = 0.477, P < 0.001) significantly correlated with final BCVA, independent of repair delays. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of OGI patients, repair timing does not significantly correlate with final BCVA, and delays beyond 24 h do not significantly correlate with worse visual recovery potential. Repair time alone should be emphasized to a lesser extent as a prognosticator of visual potential, in favor of significant predictors such as the ocular trauma score and presenting visual acuity.

Development of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression after open globe injury in adults.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression after open globe injury in adults. METHODS: A total of 95 participants, 43 adult patients with open globe injury and 52 age-sex similar subjects (control group), were included in this cross-sectional study. Age, gender, education level, occupation, accident history, psychiatric history, trauma type, cause of trauma, and visual acuity were recorded. One to six months after trauma, PTSD and depression symptoms of the participants were evaluated with the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire-Civil Version Scale (PTSD-S) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), respectively. RESULTS: Patients with open globe injury had a higher PTSD-S total score than the control group, but not significant (23.67 ± 20.41 vs. 18.56 ± 13.13, p = 0.580). Patients with eye trauma exhibited a much higher prevalence of PTSD compared to the control group (20.9% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.010). Patients with trauma had a significantly higher BDI total score than the control group (12.47 ± 10.08 vs. 7.69 ± 6.10, p = 0.015). Also, patients had a higher rate of depression symptoms than controls (25.6% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.017). A significant positive correlation was observed between PTSD-S and BDI scores in the trauma group (r = 0.720, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: An increased prevalence of PTSD and depression was observed in adults after open globe injury. The significant relationship between PTSD-S and BDI scores indicates that patients with open globe injuries should be questioned in terms of both symptoms. For patients with open globe trauma, a holistic approach with psychosocial assessment in addition to physical intervention would be beneficial.

Clinical evaluation and management of badminton-related eye injuries: a retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: To describe the clinical features, visual outcomes, management, and complications of ocular injury in badminton and investigate risk factors associated with visual impairment. METHODS: Data on patients injured while playing badminton admitted to Department of Ophthalmology, Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, Fudan University between January 2018 to December 2020.The relationship between visual acuity (VA) and demographic and clinical variables was also analyzed. Patients were managed medically or surgically as per their needs, followed up for at least 18 months. The visual outcomes were predicted using ocular trauma score (OTS), predicted outcomes were compared with actual outcomes using statistical tests. RESULTS: This study involved 102 patients (78 men, 24 women) with a mean age of 43.8 ± 16.1 years (7-71 years). Of these, 93 patients had closed-globe injuries and 9 had open-globe injuries. Vision-threatening findings included lens subluxation(31.4%),retinal detachment(13.7%),hyphema(12.7%). Open-globe injury had significantly lower presenting VA and final VA (P= 0.0164, 0.0053).Final VA was found to be correlated with presenting VA, maculopathy, retinal detachment, and OTS (P=0.0000, 0.0494, 0.0001, 0.0000 respectively), it was worse in patients who were under 20 years of age and were female. OTS prediction was not significantly different when compared with actual visual outcomes postoperatively in OTS3, OTS4, and OTS5 (P > 0.05),while the prognosis of patients with OTS1 and OTS2 was better than OTS study (P=0.001, 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSION: Badminton-related closed-globe injuries were more frequent; open-globe injuries were usually more serious. Younger and female patients have poorer visual recovery prognoses. OTS was found to be a reliable tool for predicting visual outcomes.