Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy After Combat Ocular Trauma in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom: 2001-2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk factors associated with developing proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) from combat ocular injuries in U.S. service members.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of associated risk factors and outcomes of PVR within the Walter Reed Ocular Trauma Database. Ocular injuries in U.S. service members wounded during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2001 to 2011 were assessed, and of these all cases of PVR were studied. Principal outcome measures were the risk factors associated with PVR development and rate of final visual acuity (VA) less than 20/200.

RESULTS

Eight hundred ninety eyes of 651 U.S. service members were evaluated. A total of 76 eyes (8.5%) of 66 patients developed PVR. Five patients had bilateral PVR. Nineteen patients had bilateral eye injuries. Sixty-one eyes (80.2%) had a final VA less than 20/200. PVR was found to be a significant risk factor for a poor final VA (P < .001). Retinal detachment (RD) was found in 52 eyes (68.4%) of patients. In patients with a RD, intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) (P < .001), unsuccessful repair (P = .002), and macular hemorrhage (P = .04) were significant risk factors for the development of PVR. Time to initial retina surgery was not found to be a risk factor for PVR development (P = .5). Time to initial retina surgery was available in 41 patients and the time to surgery on average was 22.56 days (range: 3 to 87 days).

CONCLUSIONS

PVR occurs frequently in combat trauma and is a significant cause of poor final VA. In patients with PVR and RD, injuries caused by an IOFB, macular hemorrhage, or unsuccessful repair were significant risk factors for the development of PVR. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2020;51:556-563.].

Transscleral Extraction of an Intraocular Foreign Body from the Posterior Segment of the Eye without Pars Plana Vitrectomy

PURPOSE

Penetrating eye trauma with an intraocular foreign body is very frequent, especially in men in their productive age. Pars plana vitrectomy would be the standard surgical method at our department. However, in indicated cases (metallic intraocular bodies in the posterior eye segment in young patients with well transparent ocular media without detached ZSM and without any evident vitreoretinal traction) transscleral extraction of the intraocular foreign body is performed using the exo magnet, eventually endo magnet with a minimal PPV without PVD induction under the visual control of endo-illumination.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between June 2003 and June 2018, 66 eyes of 66 patients diagnosed with a penetrating eye trauma caused by an intraocular foreign body located in the posterior eye segment were treated. In 18 eyes (27,3 %) with a metallic foreign body in vitreous (body) or in retina, no PPV or a minimal PPV without PVD was used as a surgical method. In the remaining 48 eyes (72,7 %), a standard 20G, respectively 23G PPV method were used together with PVD induction and the foreign body extraction via endo or exo magnet.

CONCLUSIONS

As demonstrated by our survey/study, in the cases of a thoroughly considered indication an experimented vitreoretinal surgeon can perform a safe NCT transscleral extraction from the posterior eye segment via exo magnet, eventually endo magnet under the visual control of a contact display system with a minimal PPV. Thereby, the surgeon can enhance the patient´s chance to preserve their own lens and its accommodative abilities as well as reduce the risk of further surgical interventions of the afflicted eye.

Lead Intraocular Foreign Body Injury Following Ejection

BACKGROUND: Ejection injuries involving the eyes have become uncommon due to effective protection by helmets and visors. We report a unique case of intraocular lead foreign body injury occurring after ejection from a Hawk aircraft in a pilot who had his helmet and visor on.CASE REPORT: A 40-yr-old male pilot sustained facial injuries after ejection from a Hawk aircraft. He had multiple foreign bodies embedded in the skin around his jaw, corneal foreign bodies, and self-sealed corneal and lens entry in left eye, with one foreign body lodged within the lens and two in the vitreous behind the lens. The foreign bodies showed low reflectivity on CT scan suggestive of plastic. However, spectroscopic and electron microscopic analysis of pieces removed from the cornea confirmed the material to be predominantly lead, which came from the miniature detonator cord (MDC). An electroretinogram (ERG) showed reduction of scotopic b wave amplitude in the affected eye. The pilot underwent intravitreal foreign body removal successfully through pars plana vitrectomy. Post-removal vision recovered from 20/60 to 20/20 with ERG also showing recovery of scotopic b wave amplitude from 100 μV to 180 μV.DISCUSSION: Though systemic toxicity due to high blood levels of lead are well known, this case is unique in demonstrating direct retinal toxicity because of intravitreal lead foreign body. It also raises aeromedical concerns about the hazards of MDC splatter despite full protection with helmet and visor.Khan MA, Gaur D, Murthy PC, Pandey A. Lead intraocular foreign body injury following ejection. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(8):673-677.

Clinical presentations and surgical outcomes of intraocular foreign body presenting to an ocular trauma unit

OBJECTIVES

To describe, evaluate, and identify the characteristics, prognostic factors, and visual outcomes in patients with intraocular foreign body (IOFB) in a Latin American population.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational case-series of patients with a diagnosis of IOFB. Variables analyzed included age, gender, initial and final best correct visual acuity (BCVA), ocular trauma score, intraocular pressure, mechanism of injury, material and number of IOFB, zone of injury, timing of primary repair and IOFB removal, complications, and follow up.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients with IOFB were identified of which 97% were male with a mean age of 37.9 years (SD 2.16). The most common IOFB location was intravitreal (43%). IOFBs were metallic in 78%, vegetal in 3%, and other materials in 11%. Primary repair and secondary IOFB removal were performed at a mean timepoint of 3 days and 5 days, respectively. Systemic and topical antibiotics were administered to all patients. The initial BCVA was 1.62 logMAR and the final was 0.6 logMAR, which was statistically significant (Pearson's chi-squared test, p value 0.01). No cases of endophthalmitis were seen.

CONCLUSION

IOFB removal can be delayed when there are no signs of infection or evidence of retinal detachment, without an increased risk of endophthalmitis and a negative impact on visual outcomes. Use of topical and systemic antibiotics appear sufficient to prevent endophthalmitis in these cases.

[Transition in the treatment viewpoint and method for injured eyes with no light perception]

Exploratory pars plana vitrectomy (EPPV) made one quarter of injured eyes with no light perception (NLP) rescued. Previously, the clinical routine in making a decision of enucleation for injured eyes with NLP was based on preoperative evaluation. Such ideas, however, have altered with development of EPPV. Some extraordinary lesions can be explored in those moribund eyes during EPPV and dealt with newly developed techniques. This article reveals the pathological basis of traumatized NLP eyes and the advantages and effects of EPPV, and puts forward the concept that decision making of enucleation should be based on findings obtained during EPPV. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 645-646).

Challenging Surgical Approach to a Lost Inferior Rectus Muscle Following Penetrating Orbital Trauma

A 37-year-old man suffered a penetrating left orbital injury with rupture of the inferior rectus muscle and avulsion of the optic nerve. The orbit was explored and the inferior rectus muscle stump was identified 25 mm from the limbus. Despite this, the muscle was successfully reattached and the patient achieved satisfactory postoperative alignment. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2019;56:e49-e52.].

Sympathetic Ophthalmitis: A Rare Case Report

Sympathetic ophthalmitis (SO) is defined as bilateral granulomatous panuveitis occurring after penetrating ocular trauma or intraocular surgery. It is now rare due to micro-surgical repair of ocular injury and use of steroid. An 18 years old boy admitted into Ophthalmology department of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh on 2nd March 2018. He got penetrating corneal injury in R/E with sharp pointed object 01 month back. It was conservatively managed but his right eye became phthisical. After 04 weeks his left eye was affected in which VA became 3/60, features of panuveitis developed. It was managed with high dose steroid and immunomodulatory drug (Azathioprine). Ultimately his vision of left eye is fully preserved (6/6). So, after a trauma or surgery to one eye, another eye should be meticulously examined and followed up. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of Sympathetic Ophthalmitis may prevent from blindness.

Chandelier-assisted scleral buckling in an eye with longstanding inert foreign body with fresh rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) present in varied manners which in turn necessitate their removal in majority of the cases. A stone foreign body can remain inert inside the eye for years. Retinal detachment in eyes following penetrating trauma with an IOFB is common, but a combination of fresh rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in an eye with a longstanding inert stone foreign body is extremely rare. We report a case of a 50-year-old male with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with a longstanding stone foreign body, where we managed such a scenario with a chandelier-assisted, sutureless, scleral buckle without removing the stone foreign body.

Pattern of ocular injuries in Bangladesh and its surgical management at hospital setting: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pattern of ocular injuries and their surgical management..

Methods

The retrospective study was conducted at the Chittagong Eye Infirmary and Training Complex, Chittagong, Bangladesh, and comprised hospital data of patients with ocular injuries from October 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017. Information gathered related to type and cause of injuries, visual acuity, postoperative complications, follow-up visits, and outcome. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis.

Results

Of the total injuries, 370 (91%) were classified open globe and 36 (9%) as close globe. In terms of type of injury, 330 (81.4%) were penetrating, 30 (7.3%) ruptured globe, 29 (7.1%) lime burn and 17 (4.2%) injuries were traumatic hyphaema and chemical in nature. Open globe injuries were mostly found in subjects aged 18 years or below. Surgery was the main mode of management in 388 (95.5%) patients.

Conclusion

Preventive measures along with high-quality management should receive priority for reducing monocular blindness.

Delayed diagnosis of an intraorbital wooden foreign body

A 35-year-old male patient was presented with pain on his right upper eyelid. A piece of wood injured his orbital and supraorbital regions while working at a furniture factory 10 days prior to our hospital admission. It was learned that the patient was discharged following the primary would closure procedure. Subsequent to the craniofacial computed tomography, primary wound closure was performed in the emergency room of previous hospital. In our clinic, a skin suturing on the nasal side of the right eyebrow was inspected and a foreign body (FB) was palpated on the superonasal contiguity of the patients' right globe. A hyperdense FB measuring 30 × 10 × 5 mm in size with smooth margins on superonasal contour of the globe was detected. Superonasal orbitotomy was performed and the FB was completely removed. Finally, visual acuity was 20/20 and a mild residual ptosis was observed.

Removal of an intraorbital metallic foreign body following double-penetrating ocular injury: A case report

RATIONALE

Open eye injury is one of the commonest ophthalmic emergencies, and when accompanied by intraorbital foreign bodies, the condition carries a poor prognosis.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 28-year-old man presented to the emergency department of our hospital complaining of sudden painful loss of vision in the left eye after he hammered an iron plate.

DIAGNOSIS

The ocular examination revealed a 4-mm full thickness scleral laceration with prolapsed uveal tissue, a traumatic cataract. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated an orbital foreign body in the retrobulbar area.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent emergency scleral suturing, severance of medial rectus muscle, and removal of the orbital foreign body. Twelve days after the emergency operation, pars plana lensectomy and pars plana vitrectomy were performed.

OUTCOMES

After 3 months of follow-up, there was no immune response. Visual acuity in the left eye was the perception of hand motion. The retina remained mostly attached with normal intraocular pressure, and good cosmetic appearance. The globe anatomy was maintained, but the vision could not be restored due to the grave nature of the trauma.

LESSONS

Transconjunctival approach extraocular muscle severance may thus be a suitable approach to the removal of intraorbital metallic foreign body.

Surgical Management of an Externally Protruding, Perforating Intraocular Foreign Body

Ru-ik Chee Felix Y. Chau In this case of a perforating eye injury by a 2-inch-long nail that went through the cornea, lens, and posterior eye wall, the authors describe a combined external, anterior, and posterior segment surgical approach that resulted in safe and successful removal of the foreign body. Initial external trimming of the protruding nail facilitated the use of a noncontact viewing system. Combined limbal and pars plana placement of the vitrectomy cannulas optimized access to both anterior and posterior intraocular structures. Most importantly, careful removal of potential sources of foreign body adhesion to intraocular structures prior to extraction likely increased the likelihood for a successful clinical outcome. Care was taken to remove as much of the vitreous as possible and to keep the eye formed. The patient recovered 20/25+2 vision with aphakic correction.

Intraocular Foreign Body Trauma in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom: 2001 to 2011

PURPOSE

We update the incidence of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB) in soldiers admitted to Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 2001 to 2011 after sustaining combat injuries in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

DESIGN

This consecutive retrospective case series included 890 eyes of 652 patients.

METHODS

Data were collected in the Walter Reed Ocular Trauma Database. Inclusion criteria were any American soldier or Department of Defense civilian with an IOFB injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom. Closed globe injuries with orbital foreign bodies, injury outside of a combat zone, or non-Department of Defense civilian trauma were the exclusion criteria.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome measures were final visual outcome and the number, size, and location of IOFBs. Secondary outcome measures included surgical procedures, use of eye protection, associated complications, source of injury and Ocular Trauma Score.

RESULTS

There were 890 eye injuries in 652 patients evacuated to Walter Reed Army Medical Center between 2001 and 2011. IOFBs were found in 166 eyes of 149 patients (18.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 16.2%-21.3%). Most patients had a single IOFB (80.7%). An IOFB was positively associated with Ocular Trauma Score grade 1 or 2 (0-65) injuries (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% CI, 1.07-2.38; P = 0.01). There were 130 eyes (78.33%) that had recorded time from initial visual acuity to final visual acuity and it ranged from 8 to 2421 days (mean, 433.24 days). Thirty-eight (25.16%; 95% CI, 18.89%-32.67%) eyes had no change in visual acuity, 98 (64.90%; 95% CI, 57.00%-72.07%) had improved visual acuity, and 15 (9.93%; 95% CI, 6.01%-15.84%) had decreased visual acuity. IOFB was not found to predict final visual acuity of <20/200 in multivariate analysis when other injury features were known (P = 0.1). Pars plana vitrectomy was completed on 124 eyes (74.70%). Removal of IOFB was performed in 118 eyes (71.08%; average of 31.67 days after initial injury) with a delayed procedure occurring after primary closure and antibiotics owing to a lack of surgical capacity in Iraq and Afghanistan. Retinal detachment occurred in 48 eyes (28.92%) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy in 44 eyes (26.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

IOFBs occur frequently in combat ocular trauma and are significantly associated with more severe injuries. However, IOFBs were not found to be a significant risk factor for visual acuity of <20/200.

[Transorbital penetrating injury without sequlae]

A 33-year-old man was admitted to hospital with a butter knife stuck in his head after having attempted to commit suicide by forcing the knife through his skull. Physical examination revealed a stable patient with only minimal associated haemorrhage. A CT scan revealed, that the penetrating knife had passed through the sphenoid bone, the posterior orbit and the ethmoid cells and ended in the contralateral nasal cavity. The knife was removed by its own trajectory. After surgery, the patient was neurologically intact with normal sight and well-functioning eye movements, and he made a full recovery.

Selection of Suture Material for Scleral Lacerations

With a view to selecting the most suitable suture material for scleral wound management we made histological and tensiometric scar examinations after 7, 21 and 45 days on rabbits' eyes. Suture materials were also observed under the scanning electron microscope at the same intervals. Three suture materials (virgin silk 8.0, polyglycolic acid 7.0 and Nylon 8.0) were tested. Polyglycolic acid proved the most suitable suture material for this purpose.

Improvement of Siderotic ERG

For fear of endophthalmitis and siderosis, ferrous intraocular foreign bodies are usually removed as soon as they are discovered; markedly reduced, siderotic ERG changes are considered permanent. We report a patient who presented with a chronically retained intravitreal foreign body and significant clinical as well as electrophysiologic signs of siderosis. Only 3 months after surgery, the ERG showed almost complete recovery. If siderosis is not present, adequate and regular follow-up examinations may in certain cases substitute for immediate removal of chronically retained intraocular foreign bodies.

Endolaser Photocoagulation in Penetrating and Perforating Intraocular Foreign Bodies

Ten consecutive eyes that had undergone a pars plana vitrectomy and argon endolaser photocoagulation for penetrating or perforating posterior segment foreign bodies were reviewed. All eyes had undergone a pars plana vitrectomy plus or minus lensectomy, removal of the intraocular foreign body in those eyes with a retained foreign body, endolaser photocoagulation of posterior chorioretinal tears, and peripheral buckle for peripheral retinal pathology. Postoperatively (minimum follow-up, 6 months), all eyes had an attached retina. Eighty percent of the eyes had a visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Advantages of endolaser photocoagulation of posterior breaks include: microscopically controlled sealing of posterior tears, less destructive than posterior cryotherapy, effective when severe choroidal swelling is present, and absence of dispersion of viable retinal pigment epithelial cells which has been documented with external cryotherapy.

Management of Posterior Segment Foreign Bodies and Long-Term Results

The management of 158 posterior segment intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB) was retrospectively analyzed: transscleral magnet extraction via the pars plana was used for 40 magnetic IOFB, transscleral extraction via the IOFB bed for 35 magnetic and 4 non-magnetic IOFB, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for 44 magnetic and 32 non-magnetic IOFB, and open-sky vitrectomy for 3 non-magnetic IOFB. Final visual acuity of 0.02 and better was achieved in 104 out of 119 magnetic IOFB (87%) and 24 out of 39 non-magnetic IOFB (62%), and final visual acuity 0.05 and better in 79 magnetic IOFB (66%) and 17 non-magnetic IOFB (44%). Transscleral extraction via the IOFB bed under ophthalmoscopic control and IOFB removal by PPV proved to be the operations of choice for an increasing number of IOFB. For magnetic IOFB, these techniques yielded better final functional results than transscleral magnet extraction via the pars plana. Final visual acuity did not depend on the interval between injury and IOFB removal, and with regard to the risk of endophthalmitis, IOFB need not be considered an absolute indication for immediate intervention. IOFB size up to 5 mm2 and initial visual acuity of 0.5 and better were significant positive factors for both magnetic and non-magnetic IOFB.

Vitrectomy for Ocular Trauma: A Question of Timing?

PURPOSE

A long-standing controversy exists regarding the proper timing for vitrectomy in a traumatized eye. The present study was conducted to assess the influence of timing on the final visual acuity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review was made of 45 consecutive patients who underwent a pars plana vitrectomy procedure for repair of ocular trauma. The patients were divided into two groups according to the timing of the surgery post-trauma: those operated before or after 14 days. Type of trauma and pre- and postoperative visual acuities were compared.

RESULTS

A contusion type of trauma was more frequent in the late surgery group. Sharp, penetrating injuries were more common in the early vitrectomy group. No significant difference was found though visual acuity was worse in the patients with a contusion component to their injury. Timing of surgery seems to have very little effect on the final outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Final visual acuity is determined by the type and extent of trauma rather than the timing of surgery.

Synthetic Patch for Scleral Tissue Loss

We report a case in which traumatic scleral tissue loss was surgically treated by a synthetic patch used in neurosurgical procedures. In the present case the patch served as a permanent solution to scleral loss. The patch is available commercially and easily stored. In the light of our experience, we suggest that this patch material be considered for both urgent and semi-elective scleral patching procedures.

Surgical Treatment of Penetrating Ocular Injuries with Retained Intraocular Foreign Bodies

A total of 40 cases of retained intraocular foreign bodies (IOFB) presenting to the University Eye Clinic of Novi Sad between January 1988 and December 1994 were evaluated and surgically treated. The group most affected were males with a mean age of 33 years, who had been occupationally injured, presenting with either corneal or scleral single laceration. Thirty-seven injuries (92%) were due to metallic foreign bodies. Two eyes presented with initial clinical signs of endophthalmitis (5%). Five eyes (12.5%) were war-injuries, with tremendous destruction of all ocular structures. After an average of 12 months follow-up 70% of total eyes achieved postoperative good or useful vision, 50% of these with visual acuity 0.5 or better.