Bungee cord-associated ocular trauma.

PURPOSE: To discuss the incidence and to characterize the clinical features of ocular trauma associated with bungee cord injuries.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

PARTICIPANTS

The authors identified 67 subjects (60 males) treated at Wills Eye Hospital for ocular trauma resulting from bungee cords between September 1, 1994, and September 1, 1999.

METHODS

The authors reviewed subjects' records from Wills Eye Hospital, records from outside physicians involved in the subjects' care, and conducted telephone interviews when additional information was needed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Each chart was reviewed for demographic information, mechanism of injury, presenting visual acuity, anterior segment, posterior segment and periocular injuries, medical and surgical intervention, final visual acuity, and length of follow-up.

RESULTS

Mean visual acuity on presentation was 20/150. The most common anterior, posterior, and periocular injuries were hyphema (42/67, 63%), commotio retinae (30/55, 55%), and eyelid edema/ecchymosis (40/67, 60%), respectively. Seven subjects (10%) sustained open globe injuries, three (4%) of whom required enucleation. Eighteen subjects (27%) required medical treatment, and 4 subjects (6%) required surgical treatment for increased intraocular pressure. A total of 21 subjects (31%) required some form of surgical intervention. Mean final visual acuity was 20/60, with an average follow-up of 34 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

This series, the largest to date, demonstrates a wide spectrum of serious ocular injuries related to bungee cord use. Medical and surgical treatments are commonly necessary to manage these injuries. We advocate a modification in the design of these cords and appropriate printed warnings directed to the users of bungee cords regarding the potential for severe ocular trauma.