[Ocular injuries and childbirth].

INTRODUCTION

Severe ocular traumatisms related to childbirth are rare and often subordinate to maneuvers with instruments. The aim of this study was to report on the different severe ocular injuries that might occur during childbirth and their possible consequences. There can be several of these ocular injuries.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Since 1984, we have examined 11 cases of this type of traumatism. For each case, the childbirth circumstances, the affected side, the different injuries observed such as ocular, orbital, cranial and even cerebral lesions, and the results of the ophthalmological follow-up examinations were recorded.

RESULTS

In most cases, lesions resulted from forceps traumatisms, and the injuries were corneal (vertical tears in the Descemet's membrane), retinal (hemorrhages), and orbital (e.g., the optical nerve and oculomotor nerve).

CONCLUSION

These injuries, sometimes severe, must benefit from early and complete examination, possibly with general anesthesia, and long-term follow-up. Furthermore, a radiographic and clinical neurological examination is recommended to prevent any cerebral complication.