Open globe injuries: Epidemiology, visual and surgical predictive variables, prognostic models, and economic cost analysis

Associations between socioeconomic status and open globe injury

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations between socioeconomic status (SES), as evaluated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and Distressed Communities Index (DCI), and the characteristics of open globe injury (OGI).

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Retrospective review of electronic medical records for patients treated for OGI at an academic Level I trauma centre between May 2009 and March 2021. Patient data included age, date of injury, mechanism of injury, visual acuity at presentation, concomitant orbital wall fracture, and ocular trauma score (OTS). The SVI and DCI scores were obtained based on the patient's home zip code. Patients were classified based on individual mechanisms of injury and grouped into non-accidental vs. accidental cases.

RESULTS

899 patients (75.0% male) were included. Average ± SD age (years), SVI, and DCI scores were 44.8 ± 22.7, 0.418 ± 0.207, and 37.9 ± 24.0, respectively. Younger age was associated with higher DCI and lower OTS score (p ≤ 0.002). Non-accidental trauma patients had lower OTS and higher SVI and DCI scores compared to accidental trauma (p < 0.001); firearm-associated ocular injuries (FAOIs) were associated with higher SVI and DCI scores (p < 0.001 and p = 0.040, respectively); domestic violence/assault was associated with worse OTS and higher DCI (p < 001). Falls and sports-related injuries correlated with lower DCI scores (p ≤ 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

In our region, among patients with OGIs, lower SES scores were associated with younger age, FAOIs, and non-accidental injuries, including domestic violence/assault. Therefore, lower SES may be considered a risk factor for several distinct mechanisms of OGI.

Perfluorocarbon liquid as a short-term tamponade for managing severe open globe injuries

PURPOSE

To explore the use of perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCLs) as a short-term tamponade in a staged vitrectomy approach for managing severe open globe injuries (OGIs).

METHODS

This retrospective, interventional case series included patients undergoing 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with PFCL tamponade for 7-14 days (mean 11.2 ± 3.36 days), followed by secondary vitrectomy and silicone oil exchange. Key outcome measures included retinal and choroidal reattachment rates, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative complications. Statistical analyses were performed using McNemar's test and Student's t-test.

RESULTS

Five eyes from five patients (mean age 55.6 ± 10.12 years; male to female ratio 4:1) were included, with a mean follow-up of 8.4 ± 4.9 months. All patients sustained zone II and III globe ruptures secondary to blunt trauma, with baseline visual acuity ranging from light perception (LP) to no light perception (NLP). Intraoperative findings included total hyphema, funnel retinal detachment, traumatic choroidal rupture (TCR), suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH) and extensive intraocular hemorrhage (EIH). Following PFCL removal, SCH exhibited full or partial resolution, and the posterior retina remained attached in all cases. All eyes were salvaged, and visual acuity improved to hand motion (HM) on postoperative day 1, maintaining stability throughout follow-up (P = 0.03682). No significant IOP changes were observed postoperatively (preoperative: 9.66 ± 2.38 mmHg; postoperative: 9.48 ± 3.31 mmHg, P = 0.9063). Retinal and choroidal attachment were maintained during follow-up, with no cases of phthisis bulbi, endophthalmitis, recurrent hyphema, or ocular hypertension. One patient developed corneal degeneration three months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term PFCL tamponade in a staged vitrectomy may facilitates retinal and choroidal stabilization while minimizing complications, offering a viable alternative for managing severe OGIs.

Open Globe Injuries in the United States: Analysis of National Trauma Data

PURPOSE

Open Globe Injuries are one of the leading causes of preventable, trauma-related blindness. There is some literature studying the effects of demographic factors as they relate to hospital outcomes. This study characterises trends of Open Globe Injury (OGI) and hospital outcomes based on demographic information utilising the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB).

METHODS

Using Python programming software, the NTDB was queried for International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision diagnosis codes related to OGI based on the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology system. Descriptive statistics were calculated utilising chi-square tests, multivariable adjusted logistic regressions, and ANOVA to process adjusted odds ratio (OR) and means of comparison groups.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 21,481 patients. Mean age of OGI was lower for Black (40.01 [40.53-41.49]), American Indian (39.08 [37.15-41.00]), and Hispanic (38.24 [37.70-38.77]) populations. OR for Black patients was lower for work-related OGI (0.36 [0.30-0.44]), but higher for drug-positive OGI (1.51 [1.35-1.69]). Black and American Indian patients had increased odds for assault-related injuries and decreased odds for accident-related injuries. Race and ethnicity had little to no effect on mortality, or discharge to home with service, ICU, or step-down unit. Mean age of fall on the same level injuries was (71.28 [70.49-72.07]); all other mechanisms of injury had a mean age < 42.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research offers a unique perspective on OGI utilising the NTDB. The trends identify at-risk populations not previously reported and suggests potential racial effects of public safety, work safety and precautions for open globe injuries.

Epidemiology of Ocular Trauma and Predictive Modeling of Visual Outcomes: A 12-Year Retrospective Study at a Tertiary Hospital in China

Background

Ocular trauma is a visually and economically devastating cause of visual loss. This study investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics of ocular trauma in central and northern China, and assessed prognostic factors.

Methods

Cases of ocular trauma that underwent surgical treatment in a tertiary hospital in China between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2023, were reviewed. All patient data were collected, including demographic information, type of injury, cause of injury, overall condition, number of surgeries, structural damage, surgical complications, and initial and final visual acuity (VA). We constructed three models to explore the prognostic factors of final VA: linear regression, regression tree, and random forest.

Results

Over 12 years, 1019 patients (1019 eyes) with ocular trauma underwent surgery, of which 836 were open globe injuries. Patients were predominantly male (80.8%), with an average age of 31.1 years. The most at-risk age group was 41-50 years old. Farmers (33.3%) and students (20.9%) were the most common occupations. The most frequent complication was vitreous hemorrhage (95.7%). Most patients required three surgeries (42.2%). During vitrectomy, proliferative vitreoretinopathy and elevated intraocular pressure were observed in 735 patients (72.1%). The final VA ranged from 0 to 3.00 logMAR with a mean of 1.10±0.43 logMAR. Among the three models, the random forest performed the best. Ocular structural damage and surgical complications, along with the number of surgeries, were important factors affecting the visual prognosis.

Conclusion

Individuals at high risk should be given extra care, as traumatic and surgical complications are the main prognostic factors.

An unusual case of a high-impact perforating ocular injury by knife

Purpose

To present a case of high-impact perforating eye injury by knife throwing witnessed during a public performance and initially classified as penetrating eye injury.

Observations

During the second reconstructive procedure an exit wound was identified, which had been missed during primary wound repair due to extensive swelling of adjacent soft tissue. The occult exit wound could be sealed and the retina attached under silicone oil.

Conclusions and Importance

An exit wound should always be considered in any case of penetrating ocular injury. Uniform terminology in ocular traumatic injuries is important for planning and execution of proper wound management.

Demographics, Presenting Features, and Outcomes of Adult Patients with Ocular Trauma

Introduction

Ocular trauma is a common cause of permanent vision loss in adults. The combination of an accurate clinical examination and imaging offers the best prognostic indicators for patients and helps to navigate treatment modalities. This is a retrospective chart review of examination and imaging findings for ocular trauma and how they correlate with treatment course and visual acuity (VA) outcomes.

Methods

Adult patients with ocular trauma presenting to a single institution between January 2013 and December 2020 were evaluated. Initial examination and imaging findings were compared for associations with each other and with VA outcomes.

Results

136 ocular traumas on 134 patients were included. The median presenting logMAR VA was 2.7 (interquartile range (IQR) 1.2-3.7) with 62% open globe injuries. The most commonly reported finding on initial CT scan was globe deformity (30%), on B-scan was choroidal detachment (20%), and on ultrasound biomicroscopy was intraocular foreign body, ciliochoroidal effusions, or angle recession (21% each). Worse vision was observed for patients positive for retinal detachment on initial B-scan compared to those negative for this finding at 6-month (median logMAR 2.7 vs. 0.5; P < 0.0001) and at final post-injury evaluation (median logMAR 3.7 vs. 0.4; P < 0.0001). Similarly, worse VA was observed for patients with choroidal detachment on initial B-scan compared to those without this finding at 6-month (median logMAR 1.4 vs. 0.5; P = 0.002) and at final post-injury evaluation (median logMAR 2.0 vs. 0.4; P < 0.0001). If positive conjunctiva/sclera examination findings were identified, 66% had positive findings on B-scan, whereas if the conjunctiva/sclera examination findings were absent, 41% had positive findings on B-scan (P = 0.005). If anterior chamber (AC) examination findings were positive, 59% had positive findings on B-scan, whereas if the AC examination findings were absent, 37% had positive findings on B-scan (P = 0.03). Discussion. The predictive value of examination findings in this study may offer insight as to long-term visual prognosis. Positive B-scan or CT findings should increase suspicion for open globe injuries.

Development, comparison, and internal validation of prediction models to determine the visual prognosis of patients with open globe injuries using machine learning approaches

INTRODUCTION

Open globe injuries (OGI) represent a main preventable reason for blindness and visual impairment, particularly in developing countries. The goal of this study is evaluating key variables affecting the prognosis of open globe injuries and validating internally and comparing different machine learning models to estimate final visual acuity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed three hundred patients with open globe injuries receiving treatment at Khatam-Al-Anbia Hospital in Iran from 2020 to 2022. Age, sex, type of trauma, initial VA grade, relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD), zone of trauma, traumatic cataract, traumatic optic neuropathy (TON), intraocular foreign body (IOFB), retinal detachment (RD), endophthalmitis, and ocular trauma score (OTS) grade were the input features. We calculated univariate and multivariate regression models to assess the association of different features with visual acuity (VA) outcomes. We predicted visual acuity using ten supervised machine learning algorithms including multinomial logistic regression (MLR), support vector machines (SVM), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), naïve bayes (NB), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), bagging (BG), adaptive boosting (ADA), artificial neural networks (ANN), and extreme gradient boosting (XGB). Accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), recall, F-score, brier score (BS), Matthew correlation coefficient (MCC), receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC), and calibration plot were used to assess how well machine learning algorithms performed in predicting the final VA.

RESULTS

The artificial neural network (ANN) model had the best accuracy to predict the final VA. The sensitivity, F1 score, PPV, accuracy, and MCC of the ANN model were 0.81, 0.85, 0.89, 0.93, and 0.81, respectively. In addition, the estimated AUC-ROC and AUR-PRC of the ANN model for OGI patients were 0.96 and 0.91, respectively. The brier score and calibration log-loss for the ANN model was 0.201 and 0.232, respectively.

CONCLUSION

As classic and ensemble ML models were compared, results shows that the ANN model was the best. As a result, the framework that has been presented may be regarded as a good substitute for predicting the final VA in OGI patients. Excellent predictive accuracy was shown by the open globe injury model developed in this study, which should be helpful to provide clinical advice to patients and making clinical decisions concerning the management of open globe injuries.

Microsurgical Vitrectomy with Pars Plana Incision for the Removal of Posterior Segment Intraocular Foreign Bodies

This study describes a pars plana incision surgical technique combined with 23 or 25-gauge vitrectomy in the management of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) and to assess its anatomical and functional results. Sixteen patients with ocular trauma complicated with IOFB were enrolled in our study. The mean preoperative visual acuity was 2.01 ± 0.55 LogMAR, and the mean postoperative visual acuity at the final visit was improved to 0.91 ± 0.58 LogMAR (p < 0.001). Until the last follow-up, all IOFBs were successfully removed and anatomic success was obtained. Complications, such as endophthalmitis, silicone oil-dependent, and ocular hypotonia, were not observed. Microsurgical vitrectomy with modified pars plana incision is a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of retained IOFB, especially associated with transparent lens and posterior segment injury.

Globe trauma associated with falls at Australian tertiary centres

OBJECTIVE

Falls frequently cause globe and adnexal trauma, particularly in the elderly. The morbidity decreases confidence, independence and quality of life. We aimed to improve the understanding of fall-related globe and adnexal trauma and the involvement of ophthalmology at two tertiary trauma centres.

METHODS

A retrospective medical record review was conducted at Royal North Shore Hospital and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital of patients admitted with fall-related globe and/or adnexal trauma between January 2015 and December 2019. International Classification of Disease Tenth Revision codes were used to identify patients for inclusion. Medical records were reviewed to extract data on demographics, trauma, ocular examination and referrals to ophthalmology.

RESULTS

From January 2015 to December 2019, 346 patients, 186 were female (54%) and median age 76 years (interquartile range 24 years), were admitted to Royal North Shore Hospital and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital with fall-related globe and/or adnexal trauma. One hundred and twenty-five (36%) suffered globe trauma with 48 (14%) classified as severe. Patients over 65 years old had at least three risk factors contributing to falls. Alcohol and illicit substances were involved in 20% of falls and occurred predominantly in younger populations. There were significantly more patients with globe trauma if orbital/mid-facial fractures were present (55% vs 36%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Fall-related globe and adnexal trauma were more common in the elderly. Alcohol and illicit substances have a role in falls in younger populations. Thorough ocular assessment is required especially in mid-facial/orbital trauma to exclude globe trauma. Further, research is required to determine the effect of fall prevention strategies in preventing globe trauma.

Biomechanics of open-globe injury: a review

Open-globe injury is a common cause of blindness clinically caused by blunt trauma, sharp injury, or shock waves, characterised by rupture of the cornea or sclera and exposure of eye contents to the environment. It causes catastrophic damage to the globe, resulting in severe visual impairment and psychological trauma to the patient. Depending on the structure of the globe, the biomechanics causing ocular rupture can vary, and trauma to different parts of the globe can cause varying degrees of eye injury. The weak parts or parts of the eyeball in contact with foreign bodies rupture when biomechanics, such as external force, unit area impact energy, corneoscleral stress, and intraocular pressure exceed a certain value. Studying the biomechanics of open-globe injury and its influencing factors can provide a reference for eye-contact operations and the design of eye-protection devices. This review summarises the biomechanics of open-globe injury and the relevant factors.

Badminton-related eye injuries: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To report the nature of badminton-related eye injuries in the published literature.

METHODS

A review of the literature with key word and MeSH terms: 'Eye injury', 'Ocular trauma', 'Badminton' 'Shuttlecock' using CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Informit Health Collection databases. Papers were reviewed to assess the circumstances of the injury, patient demographics and clinical data.

RESULTS

19 studies from 1974 to 2020 from 12 countries reported 378 monocular badminton-related eye injuries from 378 patients with a male-to-female ratio of 2.5:1. A closed globe injury was sustained in 97% of eyes and a shuttlecock responsible for 85% of injuries. Doubles play, the shuttlecock and a lack of eye protection were associated with eye injury.

CONCLUSION

Vision impairment was associated with the majority of badminton-related eye injuries, and doubles play, the shuttlecock and a lack of eye protection were risk factors.

Epidemiology and Economic Cost Analysis of Microbial Keratitis from a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Australia

Microbial keratitis is the most common cause of infective vision loss. The causative organism varies by region, and most cases require intensive antimicrobial therapy. The purpose of this study was to analyse the causative organisms of microbial keratitis, its presentation and economic burden from a tertiary referral hospital in Australia. A retrospective review of 160 cases of microbial keratitis was performed, over a 5-year period from 2015–2020. A wide variety of costs were considered to determine the economic burden, using standardized data from the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority and the cost of personal income loss. Our study showed the most commonly occurring pathogens were Herpes Simplex (16%), Staphylococcus aureus (15.1%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.3%). A total of 59.3% of patients were admitted, with a median length of admission of 7 days. Median cost for all presentations of microbial keratitis was AUD 8013 (USD 5447), with costs significantly increasing with admission. The total annual cost of microbial keratitis within Australia is estimated to be AUD 13.58 million (USD 9.23 million). Our findings demonstrate that microbial keratitis represents a significant economic burden for eye-related diseases and the key driving factor for the cost is the length of admission. Minimizing the duration of admission, or opting for outpatient management where appropriate, would significantly reduce the cost of treatment for microbial keratitis.

Visual Outcomes and Prognostic Factors of Traumatic Endophthalmitis Treated by Pars Plana Vitrectomy: 11 Years Retrospective Analysis

Aim: To evaluate the visual outcome of traumatic endophthalmitis and describe the risk factors associated with poor visual acuity and retinal detachment (RD) development over an 11-year period. Methods: Medical records of 34 patients with traumatic endophthalmitis who underwent PPV over a period of 11 years (1 January 2010−31 December 2020) were reviewed. We extracted details regarding demographic data, initial and final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using a standard Snellen chart, wound and IOFB characteristics, ocular associated lesions, and treatment. The outcome was evaluated according to the final BCVA which was defined as poor < 0.1 or good ≥ 0.1 Results: Endophthalmitis rate was 29.8% in open globe injuries. The mean age was 43.6 ± 16.5 years and the majority of patients were males (32 out of 34, 94.1%). All patients received systemic (moxifloxacin) and intravitreal antibiotherapy. We performed pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in all cases. Poor visual outcome was associated with wound size ≥ 3 mm (p = 0.02), the association of IOFB (p = 0.016), and the development of RD (p = 0.00). The presence of IOFB (p = 0.01) and wound size ≥ 3 mm (p = 0.01) were statistically associated with RD development. After treatment, 47.05% of patients achieved final BCVA ≥ 0.1. Conclusion: Wound size ≥ 3 mm, IOFB and RD were risk factors for poor visual outcomes in traumatic endophthalmitis.

Ocular Trauma During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to summarize the latest literature on the trends and incidence of ocular trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted to identify the relevant literature. The search period was between January 1, 2020, and September 20, 2021. The incidence of overall and various types of ocular trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic and the control period was analyzed. The data from different studies were pooled. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 32 articles were included. After pooling the data from all included studies, the incidence of total and pediatric ocular trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic was 67.7% and 54.3% of those in the control period, respectively. However, the proportion of ocular trauma in eye emergency visits increased during the pandemic (OR, 95% CI: 1.46, 1.04-2.06). The proportion of domestic ocular trauma increased (OR, 95% CI: 3.42, 1.01-11.62), while ocular trauma related to sports and outdoor activities and occupational ocular trauma decreased (OR, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.09-4.29 and 0.18, 0.10-0.33, respectively). It was also reported that chemical injury caused by alcohol-based sanitizers, photokeratitis caused by ultraviolet lamps, and mechanical eye injury caused by masks increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a reduction in overall eye injuries and substantial differences in the spectrum of ocular trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proper health education and supervision should be strengthened to prevent ocular injuries related to COVID-19 preventive interventions.

The Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubric (OSCAR) for Open Globe Surgical Management

Background/Aims

To produce an internationally developed rubric to assess surgical competency in open globe management.

Methods

An international expert panel of seven ophthalmologist educators developed a standardized competency-based rubric. The steps to perform an open globe repair were outlined. Based on a modified Dreyfus model, the experts agreed on the steps of surgery and certain global indices. They then assigned descriptors for the competency expected of a novice, beginner, advanced beginner, and competent surgeon. The tool was then vetted by another panel of ten ophthalmologists. The main outcome measure was the final version of the tool as agreed upon by the expert review panel.

Results

The steps of open globe repair and key global indices were established. Descriptive wording for each step and global indices for novice, beginner, advanced beginner, and competent surgery were listed. All the expert comments were integrated to establish face and content validity.

Conclusion

This standardized rubric to evaluate resident competency should be used globally in training programs to assess open globe repair surgical skills. Using a modified Dreyfus model, four different levels of training competency were defined allowing a non-biased, objective, numerical and simple assessment.