Showing papers on "Eye injuries published in 2009"

Endophthalmitis following penetrating eye injuries

Abstract: Postinjury endophthalmitis is the eye infection with the worst prognosis. A retrospective 9-year study was made of penetrating eye injuries, with an analysis of the incidence of infection and its relation to the type of wound and the presence of intraocular foreign bodies. There were 403 cases of penetrating eye injury; of these, 233 affected the cornea and 170 involved the posterior pole. Intraocular foreign bodies were present in 40 cases. Endophthalmitis developed in 4.2% of cases (17/403), and was more common in patients with posterior pole involvement (7%) than in purely corneal trauma (2.1%) (p = 0.03, Chi-square). Infection was in turn more frequent in the presence of intraocular foreign bodies (15%) (p = 0.17, Chi-square). Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common cause (23.4%), while in three cases (17.6%) mixed infection was detected. The visual results were evisceration or non-perception of light in 82.3% of cases.

Prognosis of perforating eye injuries with intraocular foreign bodies

Abstract: The long-term results of 95 consecutive eyes with a perforating eye injury and an intraocular foreign body (IOFB) treated with or without pars plana vitrectomy are reported. With the mean follow-up time of 30.0 months (median 22.8 months) 10 eyes (11%) were enucleated and another 17% became blind (visual acuity less than 0.05). The enucleation rate was considerably decreased and the visual outcome improved as compared with previous studies in Finland. The visual outcome was affected unfavourably by posterior location of the perforation, blunt injury, prolapse of intraocular tissue and poor initial visual acuity. There was no significant difference in the visual outcome between eyes with posterior segment IOFBs treated with or without vitrectomy. In the posterior perforation group the visual outcome was slightly better in eyes in which vitrectomy was performed (P = 0.336), and early vitrectomy within 1 week gave best visual results (P = 0.692). In 79% of the non-enucleated eyes the retina was attached. The anatomic success rate was similar regardless of the timing of vitrectomy.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography in eye injuries

Abstract: Background To evaluate the usefulness of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS OCT) for initial diagnosis and for monitoring treatment results in eye injury cases.

Pediatric eye injuries in a Canadian emergency department

Abstract: Objective: This study assesses the descriptive epidemiology of children with eye injuries presenting to the emergency department of a major Canadian pediatric hospital. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study. Participants: All pediatric patients (up to 18 years of age) presenting with ocular injuries to a tertiary care pediatric emergency department between January 1 and December 31, 2002. Methods: Chart review was conducted using Canadian Hospital Injury Reporting and Prevention Program forms. All injuries were classified by Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology (BETT). Results: There were 149 patients who presented with eye injuries to the emergency department in 2002, and all of them were included in the study. Patient ages ranged from 3 months to 18 years with a median age of 8 years 8 months (interquartile range 4–11 years). Boys accounted for 73.2% of the patient total. Most of the cases (57.7%) needed some treatment and required follow-up. Eleven patients (7.3%) had vision-threatening eye injuries that required surgical management, and 3 of these required multiple surgeries. Seven of the 11 patients suffered open globe lacerations, 3 open globe ruptures, and 1 closed globe injury. Conclusions: Most eye injuries occurred at home during the summer, and over 7% of children presenting to the emergency department with eye trauma had vision-threatening injuries that required surgical management. Increasing awareness of the serious nature of ocular injuries will help to develop a comprehensive plan for educating both parents and children to minimize preventable pediatric eye injuries.

Incidence of ocular injury in visually asymptomatic orbital fractures

Abstract: PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of severe ocular injury in visually asymptomatic patients with orbital fractures. METHODS: Retrospective review of 241 cases of orbital fracture, of which 126 cases had ophthalmic evaluation within 1 week of injury and were included in our analysis. Fracture type, associated symptoms, and injuries were evaluated. Injuries were categorized into severe (requiring immediate evaluation), moderate (requiring evaluation within the next several days), and mild (may not require evaluation). The presence of symptoms and associated visual acuity and severity of injury were analyzed for statistical significance. RESULTS: Forty-six of 126 patients with orbital fractures were visually asymptomatic. Of these patients, none had severe injuries, 15 had moderate injuries, 23 had mild injuries, and 8 had no injuries. Of those with symptoms, 15 had severe injuries, 27 had moderate injuries, 35 had mild injuries, and 3 had no injuries. Using Fisher exact test analysis, asymptomatic patients were unlikely to have severe ocular injury in the setting of orbital fracture (p = 0.0009). In addition, visual acuity did not accurately predict the presence of severe ocular injury. CONCLUSION: Visually asymptomatic patients with orbital fractures do not have ocular injury requiring emergent evaluation. Language: en

Survey of eye injuries in Norwegian children.

Abstract: . A review of the medical records of 238 children younger than 16 years admitted with ocular injury to the University Hospital in Trondheim during a 10-years period was undertaken to provide information about the causes, circumstances and visual outcome of ocular trauma in young patients. Children with ocular injury represented 14% of all paediatric eye admissions. The majority were boys (77%). The frequency of injuries among boys increased markedly from the age of 8 years, while the frequency was almost the same among girls in all age groups. The most common cause of injury was projectiles (21.5%) followed by sticks, twigs and pencils (10.1%), falls (10.1%), bow and arrows and catapults (9.7%) and balls (8.8%). The most frequent diagnosis was contusion (43%). Perforating eye injuries amounted to 19%. Follow-up examination showed that 49% of children with eye injuries had some visual deficit, including eighteen children (8%) with visual acuity worse than 0.1. Because most of the eye injuries among children are preventable, more appropriate strategies for the prevention of these should be implemented.

Epidemiology of lifetime work-related eye injuries in the U.S. population associated with one or more lost days of work.

Abstract: Purpose: Eye injuries are one of the most common types of work-related injuries. This study examined the lifetime prevalence rate of eye injuries at work and associated factors in the general population of the United States. Methods: The data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were analyzed for individuals aged 18 years or older (n = 28,913). Lifetime prevalence rates of work-related eye injuries were determined by different factors, calculated as the percentage of the weighted number of people who reported to have an eye injury at work divided by the weighted total number of people in the corresponding category. Results: The overall lifetime prevalence rate of work-related eye injuries was 4.4%. The lifetime age-specific prevalence rates of work-related eye injuries ranged from 2%, 3.8%, 4.9%, 6.0%, 5.4%, 4.0%, and 3.1% for ages 18–24, 25–34, 35–44, 45–54, 55–64, 65–74, and 75+ years, respectively, with the highest rate in the age of 45–54 years. Men had a more than four-times higher r...

Open globe injuries in children: factors predictive of a poor final visual acuity

Abstract: Aims: Eye injuries are the leading cause of monocular blindness in children and are challenging to manage. However, limited follow-up studies currently exist. We describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of open globe injuries presenting to a major UK centre and discuss factors affecting long-term prognosis.PurposeIdentification of (1) demographic features, (2) causes, types and location of injuries, (3) initial clinical features and correlation with visual outcome, and (4) predictors of poor visual outcome.MethodRetrospective study by reviewing and analysing records of 20 patients, aged 16 years and below, who had undergone repair of an open globe injuries at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, UK. Data recorded included demographic data, mechanisms and location of injury, visual acuity, clinical signs on presentation, surgical procedures, postoperative complications, and final visual acuity.ResultsThe study group comprised of 85% male subjects, 15% female subjects. The average age was 9.8 years (range: 1-15). Average follow-up was 16.3 months (range: 3-48 months). Sharp objects (mainly glass or knife) accounted for the majority (65%) of injuries. Initial clinical signs associated with poor visual outcomes included poor initial visual acuity, cataract, RAPD, and no initial red reflex. Younger patients and blunt injuries (especially BB gun injuries) had worse visual outcomes.ConclusionFactors suggesting unfavourable final visual acuity after open globe injuries in children are (1) young age at presentation, (2) poor initial visual acuity, (3) presence of a relative afferent papillary defect, (4) absence of red reflex, (5) cataract, and (6) types and number of surgeries performed.Awareness and education with regard to prevention of paediatric injuries need to be actively implemented. Language: en

A case-crossover study on transient risk factors of work-related eye injuries.

Abstract: Objectives: To investigate modifiable risk and preventive factors of work-related eye injuries. Methods: A case-crossover study conducted to explore the associations between transient risk factors and work-related eye injuries. Patients seen at seven medical centres in Taiwan with work-related eye injuries over a 4-year period were enrolled in the study. Clinical information was collected from medical charts and detailed information on exposure to eight potentially modifiable factors during the 60 minutes prior to the occurrence of each injury, as well as during the same time interval on the last work day prior to the injury, were obtained using questionnaire surveys. Matched-pair interval analysis was adopted to assess the odds ratios (ORs) for work-related eye injuries given exposure to the eight modifiable factors. Results: A total of 283 subjects were interviewed. Most of these injured workers were young, male, and self-employed or small enterprise workers. The most common injury type was photokeratitis (33.2%), mainly caused by welding (30.4%). The OR for a work-related eye injury was increased with the performance of an unfamiliar task (57.0), operation of a faulty tool or piece of equipment (48.5), distractions (24.0), being rushed (13.0), or fatigued (10.0), and a poor work environment (4.3). Wearing eye protection devices was found to have a significant protective effect on workers who might otherwise have been exposed to eye injuries (OR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.7). Conclusion: Potential modifiable risk and preventive factors for work-related eye injuries were identified using a case-crossover study. This information should be helpful in the development of preventive strategies.

The prognosis of perforating eye injuries

Abstract: In every eye trauma and especially if the bulb itself is affected the most imp6rtant problem will be the resulting injury of the visual function. Even if the prognoses of more serious contusions are not apparently superior to those of perforations, it is, however, especially the perforating lesion that is the most ambiguous, owing to various, partly primary, partly secondary complications in the eye affected. The aim of this investigation has been the re-examination of some cases of perforating eye injuries in order to elucidate the relations of certain of the above-mentioned complications to the final visual result through a description of the course of the disease. The material, the number and distribution of which are shown in table 1, comprising all the cases of ocular perforations hospitalized at the University Clinic, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej, Copenhagen during the years 1958 1965 incl. The total number of cases is 263, of which 93 per cent were males while only 7 per cent were females.The preponderance of male cases is a well-known

Eye injuries in northern Sweden.

Abstract: An analysis of 927 eye injuries treated at the University Hospital of Umea, Northern Sweden, during a one-year period has been made. The estimated incidence was 8.1 per 1000 population. 86% of the injured were men. An overrepresentation of severe injuries were found in children and young adults, aged 10-19 years. 94.5% of the injuries were minor. The most common diagnosis was foreign body adherent to cornea or conjunctiva (40%). All chemical injuries were superficial. One-third of the sports injuries were caused by hockey-bockey and indoor bandy. Most of these were major injuries. The total cost of the injuries was assessed at SEK 1300,000. More information to the public concerning use of safety glasses and potential risks of eye trauma could reduce eye injury incidence.

Occupational eye injuries: a continuing problem.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ocular trauma is a worldwide cause of visual morbidity, a significant proportion of which occurs in the workplace. This is largely preventable with the use of protective eyewear and strict compliance. AIM: To analyse the type of occupational eye injuries that occur and to document the use of eye protection in patients presenting to a UK district general hospital. METHODS: A pilot retrospective case note analysis of all ocular injuries seen in one calendar month was performed. A prospective survey of consecutive occupational ocular injuries presenting to this district general accident and emergency (A&E) department over a 2-month period was then carried out. Demographics, aetiology, eye protection usage and clinical details were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: Of all eye patients attending this A&E, 31% (87/283) were due to occupational eye injuries. Of 55 prospectively reviewed patients with occupational eye injuries, the majority had minor injuries. Of the cases where eye protection was recorded, 56% (18/32) were not wearing any protection and 44% (14/32) wore eye protection at the time of injury. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational eye injuries are a commonly seen ocular complaint in the A&E department. Provision of appropriate eyewear protection and worker education is required to minimize the incidence of ocular injury in the workplace. Language: en

High-Rate Internal Pressurization of Human Eyes to Predict Globe Rupture

Abstract: Objective To determine the dynamic rupture pressure of the human eye by using an in vitro high-rate pressurization system to investigate blunt-impact eye injuries. Methods Internal pressure was dynamically induced in the eye by means of a drop-tower pressurization system. The internal eye pressure was measured with a small pressure sensor inserted into the eye through the optic nerve. A total of 20 human eye tests were performed to determine rupture pressure and characterize rupture patterns. Results The high-rate pressurization resulted in a mean (SD) rupture pressure of 0.97 (0.29) MPa (7275.60 [2175.18] mm Hg). A total of 16 eyes ruptured in the equatorial direction, whereas 4 ruptured in the meridional direction. There was no significant difference in the rupture pressure between the equatorial and meridional directions ( P = .16). Conclusion As the loading rate increases, the rupture pressure of the human eye increases. Clinical Relevance Eye injuries are expensive to treat, given that the estimated annual cost associated with adult vision problems in the United States is $51.4 billion. Determining globe rupture properties will establish injury criteria for the human eye to prevent these common yet devastating injuries.

Perforating eye injuries in a western part of Sweden

Abstract: We performed a prospective study of all perforating eye injuries in a western part of Sweden during 1989-1991. We registered 140 cases (141 eyes) in a population of 1.4 million. Annual incidence was 3.3 per 100,000 inhabitants. Follow-up time was 6 months or more in 91 (64%) of the cases. Perforating eye injuries were 5.6 times more common in men than in women. Occupational injuries accounted for 37% of perforating eye injuries. Twenty-nine per cent of perforating eye injuries were injuries that occurred during domestic and leisure time. In addition to metal fragments, a whole nail was a common perforating object in these groups. Playing activity accounted for 11% of the perforating eye injuries, traffic accidents for 3% and assault for 9%. In a group of elderly patients (9%) perforating eye injuries were caused by falls. Visual acuity was 0.5 or better in 57 (63%) of the eyes with a follow-up period of at least 6 months. Only 2 of the 141 eyes were enucleated. Language: en

Occupational eye injuries in finland

Abstract: In Finland 11.9% of all industrial accidents in 1973 were eye injuries including superficial eye injuries (79.2%), ultraviolet burns of the cornea (3.9%), eye burns (3.6%), blunt ocular trauma (2,5%), wounds (2.4%), and post-traumatic infections (5.8%). Eye injuries constituted 34.3% of all industrial accidents which needed only ambulatory treatment and 17.5% of all industrial accidents causing an absence for 1-2 days. In 1981 2.1% of all compensated industrial accidents (incapacity for work 3 days or more) were eye injuries. Most compensated eye injuries occurred in manufacturing and in construction work (80.4%) and 8.5% occurred in agriculture. The annual incidence rates of compensated accidents to the eyes (accidents X 1 000/number of employees) were highest in several branches of metal industry (4.96-6.88), excavating and foundation work (6.88), and in logging (5.64). Compensated eye injuries were caused by machines (32.8%), hand tools (25.6%), other equipment and constructions (4.8%), work environment (23.6%), chemical substances (10.8%), and other accidents (2.3%). Language: en

Eye injuries in agriculture

Abstract: To study eye injuries in agriculture we reviewed the case records of 662 patients with eye injuries treated at the Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital of Tampere between the years 1972 and 1979. Of the whole material 96 (14.5%) were agricultural workers, 74 (77%) male and 22 (23%) female, with the mean age of 43 years. The mean annual incidence of eye injuries in agriculture was 3.46 per 10.000 people which was higher than in industry (1.9 per 10.000 people) but lower than in construction (5.28 per 10.000 people). The use of AIV solution was the most frequent cause of eye injury in farming (6/10) and was the most common cause of all chemical eye burns in agriculture (6/7). Cow butting with horn caused all eye injuries in dairying ; 50% of these were perforating eye injuries. In lumbering , forest work or a flying piece of wood at chopping caused eye injuries in 29 cases including 19 cases with blunt ocular trauma and 8 cases with perforating eye injuries. Hammering was the most frequent cause of injury in repair work (7/16). Unilateral blindness was seen in 17 cases (17.7%). It was caused mostly by cow butting with horn (6 cases) or lumbering (5 cases). The importance of employment of protective eye screen or glasses also in agriculture is pointed out. Language: en

Concomitant cranial and ocular combat injuries during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Abstract: Background: Concomitant cranial and ocular injuries were frequently seen in combat casualties during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The incidence of these injuries is reported along with an interventional case series. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all surgical patients treated by U.S. Army neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists in Iraq from December 2005 to April 2006. Results: Out of 104 patients with cranial trauma and 158 patients with ocular trauma, 34 had both cranial and ocular injuries (32.7 and 21.5% of patients with cranial and ocular injuries, respectively). Neurosurgical procedures included exploratory craniotomy, decompressive craniectomy, and frontal sinus surgery. Ophthalmologic surgical procedures included globe exploration, open globe repair, primary enucleation, orbital fracture repair, lateral canthotomy and cantholysis, and repair of lid and periocular lacerations. Patients with cranial trauma had a higher incidence of orbital fracture, orbital compartment syndrome, and multiple ocular injuries compared with patients without cranial trauma (odds ratio 6.4, 3.9, and 3.3, respectively). Conclusion: A strong association exists between cranial and ocular trauma in combat casualties treated during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Combat health support personnel should maintain a high level of suspicion for one of these injuries when the other is present. Co-locating neurosurgeons and ophthalmologists in support of combat operations facilitates the optimal treatment of patients with these combined injuries.

Vitrectomy in double perforating eye injuries.

Abstract: . The results of 41 consecutive cases of double perforating eye injuries, operated with vitrectomy between December 1975 and December 1982, are reported. Fourteen eyes (34%) obtained a visual acuity of 5/10 or better, and 23 eyes (56%) obtained 5/200 or better. Twenty-eight (68%) developed retinal detachment, and 12 of these were attached by surgery. In this series the pre-operative visual function and the type of injury had a significant effect on the final result. No beneficial effect from early (within 14 days) vitrectomy could be shown.

Ocular trauma resulting from paintball injury.

Abstract: Background Paintball-related ocular injuries result in severe damage and loss of vision. Despite efforts to increase public awareness and improve safety features, the incidence of eye injuries has increased over time. We examined the characteristics and ocular effects of paintball injury at our tertiary referral center.

Outcome and prognosis of pediatric patients with delayed diagnosis of open-globe injuries.

Abstract: Purpose Open-globe injuries in children can present in a delayed fashion, potentially increasing the risk of endophthalmitis and delaying surgical intervention. This article presents the outcome of pediatric patients with delayed diagnosis of open-globe injuries for 24 hours or more. Methods The study was a retrospective observational case series of patients who presented with open-globe injuries diagnosed 24 hours or more after the injury between July 2002 and March 2007. Results Thirteen patients were included in the study. The average age at presentation was 5.8 +/- 2.8 years; average follow-up was 11.5 +/- 14.5 months. Mean time of presentation after injury was 9.2 +/- 16.0 days. The most common chief complaints were chronic red eye (7 of 13 patients), eye pain (5 of 13 patients), and decreased vision (4 of 13 patients). All patients had self-sealing corneal wounds; 8 of 13 patients had a visually significant traumatic cataract. One patient had sympathetic ophthalmia. Initial visual acuity was 20/200 or worse in 10 patients, and final visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 6 patients. No patient had endophthalmitis. Conclusion Open-globe injuries, especially self-sealing corneal wounds, can present in a delayed fashion in children or may be missed if obvious findings, such as subconjunctival hemorrhage or prolapsed iris tissue, are not present. Pediatricians should be educated that they should maintain a high level of suspicion in the setting of chronic unilateral red eye, decreased visual acuity, or abnormal red reflex.

Eye injuries in children and adolescents: a report of 205 cases.

Abstract: Objective To investigate the causes, place, type and visual outcome of eye injuries necessitating hospitalization in children and adolescents. Methods Consecutive patients with eye injuries aged Results Two-hundred-five patients were hospitalized because of eye injuries over the study period. One-hundred-forty-six (71.2%) were males and 59 (28.9%) were females, for a ratio of 2.5:1. Preschool children made up 14.1% of the cases and 63.9% were in school, while 9.8% were apprentice artisans. Fewer than 23.4% (n=48) patients presented within 24 hours of injury. Injuries sustained at home occurred in 97 cases (47.3%) and at school in 44 (21.5%). Of the 54.6% of whose injuries were inflicted by others, 24.9% were inflicted by adults while meting out corporal punishment. Pointed objects (43.8%) and missiles (25.8%) were the common causative agents of injuries. Such agents were belts, canes, sticks, cutlasses and hoes. Penetrating eye injuries were the commonest type of injury (40.5%), followed by contusions (31.7%). Conclusion Eye injuries in children and adolescents admitted to this tertiary hospital were severe. They occurred mostly at home and school and in circumstances that could be avoided. Health education and legislation could reduce the burden of injury-related blindness in the study area.

Eye symptoms caused by lightning.

Abstract: In principle, the effect of both atmospheric and technical electricity on the organism is the same. On passing through the tissues, the current is liable to destroy cells both by heat and electrolysis. I t can also cause powerful muscular contractions, and hinder or disturb the functioning of every vital centre or organ on its way. The injurious effect of an electric current depends above all on its power i. e. the number of amperes. The fatal number lies between 0.05-1.0 A. AcE (tension in volts) cording to Ohm's law, I (power of current in amperes) = R (resistance in ohms) The resistance in an adult mainly in the skin lies between 1,000-5,000 ohms. But moist skin and wet footwear can reduce it to 300 ohms (Loftus 1957). Under such circumstances, a current as small as 110-120 V can kill. Voltages between 500 and 4,000 V are the most dangerous for human life. On the other hand, very high voltages only cause serious burns. As a rule, the lower the skin resistance, the more serious are the internal injuries and viceversa. And the higher the skin resistance, the more severe the external damage. In discharges of atmospherical electricity, voltages vary greatly. For instance, a streak of lightning 2 km long produces 50-100 million volts. Local lesions include ramified lightning patterns on the skin that quickly disappear, and also necrotic areas. Convulsions, loss of consciousness and disturbances of the respiration and heart function are regarded as general symptoms. If death ensues, it is due to paralysis of the respiratory centre (re-

Ultrasonography in optic nerve head avulsion.

Abstract: The diagnosis of post traumatic optic nerve avulsion is often obscured by the presence of concomitant vitreous haemorrhage. Electrodiagnostic tests, CT scan and fluorescein angiography have not proved helpful in substantiating the diagnosis of this entity in the early stages. We herein present the echographic features in a case of post traumatic optic nerve avulsion that, to the best of our knowledge, have not been previously described. The role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of suspected optic nerve head avulsion has been high-lighted.

Work-related penetrating eye injuries.

Abstract: A review of all penetrating eye injuries treated at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital over 5 years (January 1st 1982 to December 31st 1986) was undertaken. There were 258 penetrating eye injuries of which 69 (26.7%) were due to work-related accidents. All were men and 52 (75.4%) of them were under the age of 40 years. Hammering and chiselling were the commonest activities at the time of the injury and accounted for 25 cases (36.2%). Thirty-six patient (52.1%) had intraocular foreign bodies. Thirty-six patients (52.1%) achieved a good visual result (6/12 or better) and 9 had no perception of light, 7 of whom had enucleations. The period of inpatient treatment ranged from 1 to 26 days. From the analysis of the activities at the time of the injury, 61 injuries (88.4%) may be considered to be preventable with appropriate eye protection.

Eye injury from tear gas

Abstract: Tear gas is employed by the police in times of peace, and has proved efficient for spreading crowds, breaking up demonstrations etc. In warfare the irritating gases, tear gas and sneezing gas, have been employed as so-called \"maskbreakers\". Troops are first exposed to an irritating gas, which makes it impossible to use gas masks for a while. They are thus left defenseless when the area is covered with poison gas immediately after. The tear gas chloracetophenon is used for fitting gas masks by military personnel. Chloracetophenon is a crystalline, gray-white substance with a melting point of 59' C. It causes irritation of the eyes at a concentration of 0,05 parts of gas to one million parts of air, and only a few particles in a closed room will afford this concentration. When the solid substance is expelled from a cartridge at high speed with a charge of black powder, it is pulverized, and this enhances its transformation to the gaseous state. Cartridges containing chloracetophenon dissolved in a volatile fluid are also frequently used. After firing, the fluid evaporates rapidly, spreading the tear gas at the same time. The common tear gas which the Americans call CNS consists of chloracetophenon, chlorpicrin and chloroform. Other tear gases, such as chloracetone, bromacetone and brombenzylcyanide are liquid at room temperature. There are many types of tear gas weapons in use at present, from the elegant American \"pencil gun\" which is carried in the breast pocket like a fountain pen, to the large tear gas pistol used by the police in Norway. The pistol has a short barrel of coarse calibre, from 10-15 cm long with an internal diameter of 26,5 mm. It has no sights. The cartridges are 8,4 cm long, with aluminum casing and a brass cap. There are 4 g of black gun powder at the bottom, covered with a circular piece of

Unilateral Scleral Fixation of Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lenses in Pediatric Complicated Traumatic Cataracts

Abstract: Following a unilateral traumatic cataract without adequate capsular support in children, the decision of optimal optical correction methods is challenging to ophthalmologists. As there is a risk of amblyopia in these patients, rapid optical and visual rehabilitation is very important. Nonsurgical methods with spectacles or contact lenses and surgical methods such as scleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (SF-PCIOLs) may also be considered. Unilateral aphakic glasses are generally not suitable for children due to aniseikonia, which may impair binocularity. Contact lenses may cause corneal problems and poor compliance in pediatric patients as well as amblyopia, due to intermittent correction of refractive error.1 Also, in traumatized eyes, wearing contact lenses may be intolerable or difficult due to irregular corneal surfaces or conjunctival scarring from the trauma or multiple operations. In the absence of adequate capsular support, an intraocular lens(IOL) cannot be inserted into the lens capsular bag and SF-PCIOL may be considered. Several reports indicated that SF-PCIOLs can be a safe and effective modality for the correction of aphakia in children.2,3 Here, authors evaluated whether unilateral SF-PCIOLs are also useful in pediatric complicated traumatic cataract cases.