Showing papers on "Eye injuries published in 2007"

Prognosis of penetrating eye injuries with posterior segment intraocular foreign body.

Abstract: To identify the prognostic factors concerning the anatomy and visual acuity of eyes subject to trauma related posterior intraocular foreign body. The records of 28 eyes of 27 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and intraocular foreign body removal during a 5 year period were retrospectively reviewed. Ocular trauma score was calculated for each eye. The most common initial findings were corneal wound (68%), lens injury (50%), retinal lesion (50%), vitreous hemorrhage (25%), and endophthalmitis (14%). Multiple foreign body causing perforating injury with retained posterior segment foreign body occurred in 7% of the cases. The foreign body was found on the surface of the retina in 39% of the cases. Postoperative complications were retinal detachment (46%), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (25%), and phthysis (4%). No eye was enucleated and 1 eye (4%) lost light perception. The final best corrected visual acuity became better or equal to 0.5 Snellen E in 34% of the eyes. The mean follow-up was 19 months (1.5–60 months). Prognosis was significantly worse in cases with lower trauma score, initial visual acuity less than 0.1 Snellen E, large foreign body, upset of bacterial endophthalmitis, and with proliferative vitreo-retinopathy. Visual outcomes in our cases were better than estimated follow-up visual acuity based on ocular trauma score parameters.

Work-related eye injuries and illnesses.

Abstract: More than 65,000 work-related eye injuries and illnesses, causing significant morbidity and disability, are reported in the United States annually. A well-equipped eye tray includes fluorescein dye, materials for irrigation and foreign body removal, a short-acting mydriatic agent, and topical anesthetics and antibiotics. The tray should be prepared in advance in case of an eye injury. Eye patching does not improve cornea reepithelialization or discomfort from corneal abrasions. Blunt trauma to the eye from a heavy object can cause a blow-out fracture. Sudden eye pain after working with a chisel, hammer, grinding wheel, or saw suggests a penetrating globe injury. Chemical eye burns require immediate copious irrigation. Nontraumatic causes of ocular illness are underreported; work-related allergic conjunctivitis increasingly has been recognized among food handlers and agriculture workers who are exposed to common spices, fruits, and vegetables. The patient's history of eye injury guides the diagnosis. Primary prevention and patient counseling on proper eye protection is essential because over 90 percent of injuries can be avoided with the use of eye protection. As laser use increases in industry and medical settings, adequate personal protection is needed to prevent cataracts. Outdoor workers exposed to significant ultraviolet rays need sun protection and safety counseling to prevent age-related macular degeneration. Contact lenses do not provide eye protection, and physicians should be familiar with guidelines for the use of contacts in the workplace.

Primary blast injuries to the eye: a review of the evidence.

Abstract: Objectives Eye injuries are relatively common following detonations. The majority of these are caused by secondary fragments. Primary blast injury to the eye (from the air-blast alone) has been described historically, but the differentiation of air-blast and fragment aetiologies in the reports is not clear. The aim of this review is to consider the evidence in the literature for true primary blast injury to the eye. Methods A literature review using Medline, Pub-med and Web of Knowledge databases. Conclusions Overall, there is little conclusive evidence that primary ocular blast injury occurs in survivors of explosions. However, some case reports do surmise its occurrence and it cannot be unequivocally ruled out. If it does occur, it is more likely to be at high overpressures that will produce life-threatening injuries. The development of enhanced blast weapons may result in an increased incidence. At present however, the most severe and damaging threat to the eyes from blast remains the impact of fragments and debris.

Epidemiological findings of ocular trauma in childhood

Abstract: PURPOSE: To describe epidemiological findings of ocular trauma in childhood in an emergency unit. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out including patients under 16 years old who were treated for ocular trauma at the emergency unit of the Federal University of Sao Paulo from September 2001 to September 2004. Age, sex, involved eye, place, circumstance and mechanism of injury, initial visual acuity and immediate management were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 273 patients were included in the study. The age group comprising most cases was 7 to 10 years (39.9%). The most frequent cause of ocular injury was traumatism by external agents like stone, iron and wood objects (27.9%). The commonest place was the home (53.1%). Initial visual acuity was over 20/40 in 63.4% of cases. Closed globe injury occurred in 201 (73.6%) accidents. Seventy-six children (27. 8%) were treated with medicines and in forty-eight (17.6%) cases surgery was necessary. CONCLUSION: Ocular trauma in childhood was more frequent in the male schoolchild and was due mostly to traumatism with agents like stone, wood and iron pieces, domestic utensils and leisure objects. The injuries occurred most frequently at home. Closed globe injuries predominated. Programs of education and prevention for ocular trauma in childhood are necessary.

Epidemiology of hospitalized ocular injuries in the upper East region of ghana.

Abstract: SUMMARY Aim of Study: The Upper East is the poorest and most rural region in Ghana and ocular injuries are a major public health problem. This study aims at providing epidemiologic data on the burden of this problem in order to facilitate the provision of integrated eye care and safety strategies for the prevention of such injuries in the region. Design: A retrospective case series. Methods: Computerized records of all eye injuries admitted to the clinic between January and December 2004 were retrieved and analyzed using the Epi-Info software. Injuries were classified using the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology while Snellen visual acuities were classified/banded using the WHO categories of visual impairments. Results: Ninety six eyes of 96 patients were admitted over the study period. Seventy five percent of the patients were males and 82.3% below the age of 30 years. Half of the patients had to travel beyond 100 km to get ophthalmic assistance. Only one third of the cases reported within 24 hours while 21% reported after one week of their injuries. These delayed periods of reporting showed no statistically significant relationship with the distances travelled to the hospital (p=0.76; chi2 test), nor the eventual visual outcome achieved following treatment. Open-globe injuries were by far the most common (60/96) and were 4.7 times more likely (Chi squared test) to produce poor visual outcome (p=0.02 CL 1.75-12.63). Conclusion: Current eye care strategies do not adequately address the issue of eye injuries in the region. There is the need to provide integrated approach by incorporating primary eye care strategies into the existing primary health care system.

The Persian Wednesday Eve Festival "Charshanbe-Soori" fireworks eye injuries: a case series.

Abstract: Purpose: To describe the clinical spectrum and severity of eye injuries sustained during the Persian Wednesday Eve Festival “Charshanbe-Soori” and to identify the fireworks devices involved. Methods: Prospectively, consecutive patients treated for fireworks-related eye injuries in the emergency room at Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, over 3 days around the occasion in 2000, 2001, and 2002 were studied. Results: Four hundred thirty-seven cases of eye injuries with an age range of 2–74 (median 17; SD 11.1) years were studied: 84.6% were male; 18.6% of the injuries were bilateral; 79.9% of the injured were bystanders or passersby. Eleven types of devices were involved, of which seven were explosives and eight were homemade. “Narenjaks,” homemade grenades, were involved in 62.2%, firecrackers in 14.8%, and sparklers in 6.2% of the events. Injuries were categorized as severe in 49% of cases, and 45 (10.4%) people were hospitalized. Five eyes with no light perception and/or enucleation, 33 cases of monocular blind...

Vitreoretinal surgery after childhood ocular trauma.

Abstract: In adults modern vitreoretinal surgery allows many traumatised eyes to be salvaged. However, one third of serious eye injuries occur in the paediatric age group and trauma is a leading cause of monocular blindness in childhood. This study aims to report the indications, complications and outcomes for vitreoretinal surgical intervention after childhood ocular trauma. Retrospective case note review of 61 children (age 16 years or less) undergoing vitreoretinal surgical procedures following ocular trauma at a tertiary referral centre. Twenty-eight children (45.9%) had open globe injuries (OGI) and 33 closed globe injuries (CGI, 54.1%). The mean age of children with OGI was 9.5 years and with CGI 12.3 years (P=0.0068). Forty-seven children had traumatic retinal detachments (77.1%), which in 17 cases were treated with conventional scleral buckling surgery and in 30 by vitrectomy. Retinal re-attachment was achieved after one procedure in 70.6% with scleral buckling and 46.7% with vitrectomy. Fourteen children (22.9%) had attached retinas but required vitrectomy for other reasons. After a mean follow-up of 19.6 months, the median visual acuity (VA) of the children improved from counting fingers at presentation to 6/36 at final review (P=0.0031). Traumatic retinal detachment requiring vitrectomy was associated with poor visual outcome (P=0.0003). Vitreoretinal intervention resulted in an improvement in vision in 32 children (57.1%) and stabilised 11 at their presenting acuity (19.6%). Two thirds of the children attained a final VA of 6/60 or better. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy was the cause of redetachment in 68.2% of cases and was significantly associated with a poor outcome (P<0.0001).

Protective ocular mechanisms in woodpeckers.

Abstract: Aims Woodpeckers possess mechanisms protecting the eye from shaking/impact. Mechanisms available to woodpeckers but not humans may help explain some eye injuries in Shaken Baby syndrome (SBS). Methods Gross dissection and histologic examination of eyes and orbits of seven woodpeckers. Results All birds showed restricted axial globe movement due to the tight fit within the orbit and fascial connections between the orbital rim and sclera. The sclera was reinforced with cartilage and bone, the optic nerve lacked redundancy, and the vitreous lacked attachments to the posterior pole retina. Conclusions Woodpecker eyes differ from human infants by an inability of the globe to move axially in the orbit, the sclera to deform, and the vitreous to shear the retina. These findings support current hypotheses that abusive acceleration-deceleration-induced ocular injury in human infants may be related to translation of vitreous within the globe and the globe within the orbit. The woodpecker presents a natural model resistant to mechanical forces that have some similarity to SBS.

Patterns of ocular trauma.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the patterns of ocular trauma, cause of injury and its effects on eye. Design: A retrospective case series. Place and Duration of Study: Khyber Institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from January 1999 to June 2004. Patients and Methods: Medical records of 1105 patients admitted with ocular trauma were reviewed. The details of patients regarding age, gender, literacy, cause of injury and its effects on eye were entered into specially-designed performa. Sample selection consisted of all patients with history of ocular trauma and who were admitted to hospital. Population details consisted patients who were referred to the hospital from all parts of N.W.F.P. Thus, the frequency of trauma in the hospital admissions was analysed. Results: Ophthalmic trauma comprised 6.78% of the hospital admission. One thousand one hundred and five patients presented with eye injuries. Out of them, 21 patients suffered from trauma to both eyes. Almost 80% patients were male and 69% patients were below 30 years of age. Delayed presentation was more common and 63.61% patients presented after one week. Open globe injuries were more common {520 eyes (46.18%)} than closed globe injuries {484 eyes (42.98%)}. 23.26% of open globe injuries were associated with intraocular and intra-orbital foreign bodies. Superficial non-perforating, eyelid and adnexal and burns were seen in 122 eyes (10.83%). Among the complications, lens damage and hyphema was seen in more than 50% of the patients, 16.60% eyes were infected at the time of admission and 4.88% of eyes needed enucleation or evisceration. The common causes of injury were violence in 37.37%, occupational in 24.43% and domestic accidents in 19.18%. Conclusion: Ophthalmic trauma is a major public health problem. Majority of the involved are male and under 30 years of age. Delayed presentation is more common. Open globe injuries are more frequent. Violence and occupational injuries are the major causes. Language: en

Primary silicone oil tamponade in the management of severe intraocular foreign body injuries: an 8-year follow-up.

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the long-term outcome of pars plana vitrectomy and primary silicone oil tamponade in patients with severe intraocular foreign body (IOFB) injuries and high risk of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods: This retrospective consecutive study included 23 patients with severe IOFB injuries who had extensive lacerations including sclera, choroid, and retina, and were complicated by predictive factors for elevated proliferative activity and an unfavorable outcome. All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy, removal of the IOFB, and primary silicone oil tamponade and were followed up for a mean 8.9 years. Main functional outcome was assessed as final best-corrected visual acuity. Anatomic success was defined as permanent retinal attachment. Results: PVR occurred in 70% of all eyes and required 16 revisions. Silicone oil was removed in 78% of the eyes after a mean tamponade duration of 9.1 months. Complete retinal attachment was achieved in 83% of the eyes. Three eyes developed a persisting hypotony that was stabilized under permanent silicone oil. Functional stabilization was observed in the third year resulting in a final visual acuity of 20/630. Useful vision of better than 20/400 could be preserved in 55% of the patients. Only one eye underwent a late enucleation after 6.8 years. Conclusions: Primary silicone oil stabilizes the retina during the critical period of active PVR and may limit the visual loss in selected high-risk eyes in the long term.

Epidemiologic Study on Work-related Eye Injuries in Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Abstract: To describe the epidemiologic features of work-related eye injuries in Kaohsiung, a hospital-based study was performed. Four hundred and eighty-six patients who were treated at emergency service or were admitted to the ophthalmology ward over a 4-year period were reviewed. Among these, 38.9% of eye injuries in the study were work-related. Male workers had a 3.99 higher odds ratio (OR) than females to suffer from eye injuries (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.99-8.04). Most of the work-related eye injuries occurred in subjects who were 30-49 years old (OR, 3.02, and 95% CI, 1.56-5.82, when compared with those aged < or = 29 years). The most common type of eye injury in the occupational exposure group was foreign body injury (31.2%), followed by blunt injuries (20.6%), chemical burn (19.6%), UV light radiation (12.7%), and corneal abrasions (11.6%). On the other hand, in the non-occupational exposure group, the most common types of eye injury were blunt injuries (43.4%), corneal abrasions (28.3%), and foreign body injury (20.2%). Our study found that foreign body injury and blunt injuries were the two highest priority injuries for which prevention strategies should be developed in Kaohsiung city. Furthermore, after advanced examination of types of media that caused eye injuries, we found that being hit by wooden objects around the eye, by flying objects in the eye, and by welding flashes are important risk factors for workers to avoid. In conclusion, most of the occupational eye injuries occurred among male workers aged 30-49 years. Due to the lack of an occupational eye injury surveillance system to monitor the incidence of eye injuries and to undertake risk assessment, preventable occupational eye injuries have not been properly controlled. We hope to provide information for further development of preventive strategies.

Mandatory use of eye protection prevents eye injuries in the metal industry

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Eyes are frequently injured in occupational accidents. What is the preventive effect of mandatory eye protection in metalworking? METHODS: The injury incidence was determined before and after eye protection became mandatory in a metalworking yard. RESULTS: The incidence declined from 6.09 to 0.42 injuries per million working hours after eye protection became mandatory. CONCLUSIONS: Mandatory eye protection among metalworkers in Norway has high potential for preventing eye injuries and should be implemented. Language: en

Eye injuries in sports

Abstract: In a retrospective study from 1988 to 1998, eye injuries were found in 553 patients. Seventy-six (13.7%) of these injuries were associated with sport. The mechanism of trauma was for the most part a ball (71.1%) or a club (13.2%). Most eye injuries occurred in soccer (35.5%), which is, by far, the most widespread sport in this region of Norway. A disproportionately high number of the injuries occurred in floorball (17.1%), bandy (13.2%), and squash (10.5%). The rules in these sports may, in theory, be strict enough to prevent eye injuries in most cases. However, these rules are often neglected in informal activities. Strategies for educating the general public about the potentially serious effect of eye injuries in sports exposed to such risk are of great importance.

Recurrent vitreous hemorrhage secondary to haptic-induced chafing.

Abstract: Case report: After cataract extraction and placement of a posterior chamber intraocular lens, a 70-year-old man had 5 vitreous hemorrhages over 3 years. Iris transillumination defects and apposition of the nasal haptic and ciliary body were found. Comments: Iris chafing is a rare complication of cataract extraction. Vitreous hemorrhage presumably resulted from iris erosion caused by the IOL haptic.

Shedding some light on laser pointer eye injuries.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Laser use has become common in the home and workplace. We present a review of laser eye injuries and guidance for the emergency medicine physician on evaluation of laser eye injury-related complaints. METHODS: A review of the literature on the potential for injury, concerning signs and symptoms, evaluation, and referral recommendations is discussed. RESULTS: The scientific literature finds that laser eye injuries are uncommon from use of nonindustrial lasers. Furthermore, an eye injury from a regulated Class 2 or Class 3A by a transient sweep across the line of vision does not result in injury, but injury can occur with a direct intentional prolonged exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Patient's history of the length and type of laser exposure is important. A significant direct eye exposure to a laser, persistent after images, and decreased visual acuity should initiate urgent referral to an ophthalmologist for further ophthalmologic testing. Brief laser exposure or indirect exposures with complaints of headaches or blurry vision require other diagnostic explanations. Language: en

Corneal laceration by sharp objects in children seven years of age and younger.

Abstract: Purpose Young children are prone to develop amblyopia after penetrating injury. We sought to evaluate the management of penetrating corneal injury without intraocular foreign body (IOFB) in children Methods A retrospective chart review was performed in 2 ophthalmology departments to identify children 18 months. Data retrieved included all details from the initial examination, surgical procedures, amblyopia prevention measures, and final visual acuity. Results Twenty children eligible for the study were identified. The mean age was 4.3 years, and mean follow-up time was 58 months. The corneal wound size range was 1-10 mm, with 8 eyes having wounds >or=6 mm. All patients required primary surgical management. Traumatic cataract extraction was performed at the primary operation in 6 eyes, with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in 4 eyes. Additional surgical procedures were performed in 12 eyes. Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (YAG) capsulotomy was performed in 3 eyes with secondary cataract. Twelve patients required spectacle or contact lens correction, and 11 patients had patching for amblyopia prevention. At the end of follow-up, visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 14 eyes, 20/50 to 20/100 in 4 eyes, no light perception (NLP) in 1 eye, and unknown in 1 eye. Conclusions Proper management of penetrating corneal injury in young children can result in excellent visual rehabilitation. Major measures include prompt traumatic cataract extraction with either primary or secondary IOL implantation, opening of posterior capsular opacification with YAG laser, correction of refractive errors, and patching for amblyopia prevention.

Chemical eye injuries: Presentation and management difficulties

Abstract: Background/Purpose: To review the pattern of presentation and management difficulty of patients with ocular chemical burns. Method: Retrospective study of all patients with ocular burns seen over 8-year period (March 1998April 2006) in the eye clinic as well as the plastic and reconstructive surgery unit of our hospital. Case files were retrieved and relevant information extracted and analyzed. Results: There were a total of 23 patients (n=33 eyes) seen in the period under review consisting of 19 males and 4 females. The age ranged from 6-52 years with mean age of 31.87years. The chemical injuries were accidental in 73.9% of the cases and of these 76.5% were work related. The remaining 26.1% resulting from assault were bilateral and led to blindness in all the patients. Main injurious agents were acid and alkali. Conclusion: Major cause of chemical injury was work related; although blindness and disability occurred more in the cases of assault. Occupational health issues need a revisit, preparedness of health institutions to take adequate care of people with ocular burns is presently poor.

Corneal abrasion and alkali burn secondary to automobile air bag inflation.

Abstract: A 59-year-old woman self presented to the emergency department with a painful right eye following a motor vehicle accident. She had reduced visual acuity and the eye had an alkaline pH with complete corneal uptake of fluorescein. Diagnosis of corneal abrasion and alkali burn to her right eye secondary to inflation of a driver's automobile airbag was made. The eye was irrigated with normal saline. Such injuries, although rare, can easily be identified within the emergency department by the history of exposure, evidence of facial injuries or burns, and an alkaline pH in the inferior cul-de-sac of the eye. Early detection and management with ophthalmology review is therefore imperative to prevent irreversible visual impairment.

Indoor soccer-related eye injuries: should eye protection be mandatory?

Abstract: Background: Our objectives were to present the spectrum of eye injuries caused by indoor soccer, as seen at our institution, and to initiate discussion as to whether eye protection should become mandatory for this indoor sport. Methods: Chart review of patients presenting to our institution with eye injuries from indoor soccer. Results: Five cases were identified from 2001–2005, all occurring during the winter or late fall. Each injury was due to contact with the soccer ball itself. Initially, all 5 patients presented with commotio retinae (1 with a prominent retinal and vitreous hemorrhage and 2 with smaller retinal hemorrhages), 2 with hyphema and traumatic mydriasis, 1 with subconjunctival hemorrhage, and 1 with upper lid edema and ecchymosis. Three resolved uneventfully with 20/20 or better vision; however, in 2 there were findings of choroidal rupture with chorioretinal scarring. One of these had 20/20 vision and a discontinuous choroidal rupture peripherally, and the other had 20/40 vision and extensive chorioretinal scarring. One patient also showed a peculiar persistent iris scar. Interpretation: Soccer-related eye injuries have been recognized as an important ophthalmo-logic problem in Europe and now increasingly so in North America.With the increasing popularity of indoor soccer in Canada, serious eye injuries have become more prevalent. On the basis of the prevalence and the nature and mechanism of the ocular trauma, we believe there may be a need to make eye protection mandatory for all forms of soccer.

Domestic ocular injuries: a case series.

Abstract: PURPOSE. To determine the nature and types of domestic eye injuries. METHODS. The authors prospectively analyzed data of 100 consecutive patients with domestic eye injury (104 eyes) referred to the emergency room of Farabi Hospital during October 2003. Standardized international classification of ocular trauma (Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology) was used for eye injury classification. RESULTS. Domestic ocular trauma represented 4.85% of all ocular emergencies (2061 patients) referred to the emergency room during that period. Male to female ratio was 1.13 and mean age of patients was 26+/-18 years (range, 1-73). Cornea was involved in 50.0% and sclera, lens, and retina each was involved in 4.8%. There was severe visual loss (best-corrected distance visual acuity <20/200 due to trauma) in 4% of the patients. The most frequent domestic ocular injury was globe injury (93.7%) including mechanical (72.1% closed and 4.8% open), chemical (14.4%), and thermal (1.9%) injuries. CONCLUSIONS. Closed mechanical injuries were the most common type of domestic ocular injury in our series. Considering the high rate of domestic eye trauma among ocular emergency cases, more preventive measures should be taken at home. Language: en

Construction-related eye injuries in Irish nationals and non-nationals: attitudes and strategies for prevention.

Abstract: Construction-related ocular injuries are an important cause of vision loss but few studies on the incidence, epidemiology and nature of these injuries exist. Due to the perceived increase in occupation-related eye injuries in non-nationals we aimed to investigate the nature of such injuries presenting to a single eye unit over a two-month period. One hundred and fifty-five patients presenting to the accident and emergency department with construction related ocular injury were examined. Of 155 patients, 80 were Irish and 75 non-national, of whom 60, 21.3 and 6.7% were Polish, Lithuanian and Romanian, respectively. Common causative factors included hammering, grinding, drilling and splash injury. Average rate of eyewear protection usage was 35%, with attendance at safety courses highest in Irish nationals. A penetrating eye injury rate of 4.9% overall was observed, all in non-nationals. Construction related ocular injury is a serious cause of visual loss in non-nationals. Greater adherence to safety regulations and training is required.

Experimental techniques for measuring the biomechanical response of the eye during impact.

Abstract: Over 2 million eye injuries occur each year in the United States as a result of trauma. In order to show the injury potential of objects such as BB guns, paintball guns, automotive airbag systems, and other consumer products, researchers have frequently tested enucleated eyes which have been placed in simulated orbits and held in place with a 10% gelatin solution. The purpose of this study is to perform biomechanical impact tests using both in-situ human eyes and human eyes mounted in simulated orbits, to compare the responses of both. A total of 12 dynamic eye impact tests were performed to develop force-deflection characteristics of the human eye in-situ, determine the effects that the extraocular muscles have on the response of the eye to dynamic impacts, and to characterize the force-deflection response of eyes supported with a gelatin solution within a simulated orbit. It was found that force-deflection corridors are similar with the extraocular muscles left intact or transected. Impact tests performed on eyes mounted in simulated orbits made of polycarbonate and filled with a 10% gelatin solution showed force-deflection responses that matched those of the in-situ eye impact tests. It is concluded that the use of simulated orbits to perform eye impact tests offers the appropriate boundary conditions to represent the in-situ human eye under dynamic eye impact events.

The Halifax disaster (1917): eye injuries and their care

Abstract: Explosions, man-made and accidental, continue to require improved emergency medical responses. In the 1917 Halifax Explosion, an inordinate number of penetrating eye injuries occurred. A review of their treatment provides insight into a traumatic event with unique ophthalmological importance. Archived personal and government documents relating to the Halifax Explosion were reviewed at the Public Archives of Nova Scotia, Canada, along with a review of current literature. Twelve ophthalmologists treated 592 people with eye injuries and performed 249 enucleations. Sixteen people had both eyes enucleated. Most of the eye injuries were caused by shards of shattered glass. A Blind Relief Fund was established to help treat and rehabilitate the visually impaired. The injured were given pensions through the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, which continue to this day. Sympathetic ophthalmia was the feared complication for penetrating eye injuries and a common indication for enucleation in 1917. Even so, the severity and the overwhelming number of eye injuries sustained during the Halifax Explosion made it impossible for lengthy eye-saving procedures to be performed. Enucleation was often the only option.

Traumatic globe luxation and enucleation caused by a human bite injury.

Abstract: A 55-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with complete loss of vision in the left eye after being bit in the face by her autistic grandson. She had a small upper eyelid laceration and an anophthalmic socket on the left side. A thorough history revealed that the bite had caused traumatic luxation of her globe, which had allowed the child to transect the optic nerve with his teeth. Careful attention was directed toward the prevention of retrograde infection in this unusual case of traumatic enucleation.

Retinal laser injury during a laser show

Abstract: BACKGROUND:: Laser injuries caused by Q-switched lasers are not unusual in the military and laboratories. To our knowledge, only one case of eye injury during a laser show has been reported previously. METHODS:: Case series. RESULTS:: All three patients had uniocular foveal hemorrhagic injury demonstrated by fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography. The lesions resolved within 6 months. CONCLUSIONS:: Laser retinal injuries can cause transient or permanent visual damage. Accidental eye injuries during a laser show may be possible. Language: en

The development and validation of a biofidelic synthetic eye for the facial and ocular countermeasure safety (focus) headform

Abstract: There are over 1.9 million eye injuries per year in the United States with over 30,000 patients left blind in at least one eye as a result of trauma. Some of the most severe eye injuries can occur in automobile accidents and from sports related impacts. Eye injuries in the military environment are even more prevalent and are generally more severe than eye injuries to civilians. The rate of eye injuries has dramatically increased in warfare in recent years, rising from 2% of all casualties during World War I and World War II to over 13% of all combat injuries in Operation Desert Storm. While many of the conflict-related eye injuries are caused by shrapnel and other debris, nearly 25% of the injuries are also caused by blunt trauma from motor vehicle and helicopter crashes, falling, and direct hits from blunt objects. In order to develop safety countermeasures effective at preventing these eye injuries, as well as evaluate the eye injury potential of different impacts, it is desirable to have the capability for distinguishing between injurious and non-injurious eye impacts. Current anthropometric test device (ATD) headforms lack instrumentation and facial features to allow detailed assessment of eye or discrete facial injuries. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation is to present the development and validation of the Facial and Ocular CountermeasUre Safety (FOCUS) headform’s synthetic eye and orbit and corresponding eye injury risk criteria.

Penetrating orbito-cranial and ocular cow-horn injuries.

Abstract: Cow horn eye injuries are not common but are devastating causes of uniocular blindness amongst young active population. Early and appropriate intervention can save the life of the patient depending on the severity of the injury. This uncommon cause of unilateral visual loss can be prevented if slaughtering of cows are done by trained and appropriately equipped personnel.