Visual Outcomes and Risk of Endophthalmitis in Open Globe Injuries without Intraocular Foreign Bodies with Delayed Repair.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the rate of endophthalmitis and visual outcomes in cases of OGI's without intraocular foreign bodies repaired within and greater than 24 hours from the time of injury. DESIGN: A retrospective review of 2,002 cases of OGI's presenting to a single institution. SUBJECTS, PARTICIPANTS, AND/OR CONTROLS Patients with OGI's were admitted and managed according to a standardized protocol. METHODS, INTERVENTION, OR TESTING The impact of timing of repair was assessed between those undergoing OGI repair within (i) 24 hours, (ii) 25-36 hours, and (iii) greater than 36 hours from the time of injury. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE: Rates of endophthalmitis and postoperative visual acuity of logMAR 1.3, logMAR 1.0, and logMAR 0.3 at 180 days and 1 year following open globe repair. RESULTS: 1,382 patients with OGI's were included, of which 75% were male with an average age of 41 years. Maximal zone of injury was zone 1 for 468 patients, zone 2 for 529 patients and zone 3 for 508 patients. 84% of all OGI's underwent repair within 24 hours from the time of injury, 9% from 25-36 hours, and 7% greater than 36 hours. Average preoperative visual acuity was hand motion. Risk factors associated with repair performed greater than 36 hours from the time of injury included female sex (p=0.042). Endophthalmitis was associated with time to repair greater than 36 hours (p=0.049) but not with 25-36 hours or zone of injury (p=0.111). Time to repair had no significant impact on visual acuity outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although repair of OGI's within 24 hours is the current standard of care, this study found no statistically significant difference in rates of endophthalmitis or visual outcomes in eyes undergoing repair within 24 hours of injury compared to repair extending to 25 to 36 hours . Endophthalmitis rates did increase after 36 hours. We recommend urgent repair of open globe injuries, but in certain circumstances, it may be reasonable to delay repair beyond 24 hours to optimize operating conditions.