A survey of the management of globe perforation during strabismus surgery in the United Kingdom.

INTRODUCTION

Globe perforation is a potentially devastating complication of strabismus surgery. The purpose of this study is to investigate the management of suspected globe perforation encountered during strabismus surgery in the United Kingdom.

METHODS

A postal survey of all consultant ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom was undertaken. The questionnaire solicited data on the management and outcomes of globe perforation encountered during strabismus surgery.

RESULTS

Five hundred and seventeen of 850 (60.8%) surgeons responded to the survey. Of these, 240 (46.4%) performed strabismus surgery, of whom 58.8% performed fewer than 50, 32.1% performed 50 to 100, and 8.3% performed more than 100 surgical procedures annually. Ninety-eight (40.8%) had suspected globe perforation during strabismus surgery, of whom 86 subsequently carried out dilated fundoscopy. There were 74 reported globe perforations. Fifty-four detailed treatment with cryopexy (50%), retinal laser (31.5%), both (9.3%), cautery (1.9%), and not reported (7.4%). In 27% of cases surgeons chose not to treat the perforation observed postoperatively. Thirty-five respondents prescribed additional antibiotics. Visual loss occurred in 6 cases, with 2 cases of endophthalmitis, 2 retinal detachments, 1 suprachoroidal hemorrhage, and 1 from a chorioretinal scar.

DISCUSSION: Complications leading to visual loss were infrequent. Of the surgeons reporting globe perforations, approximately three quarters chose to treat the injury and one quarter chose to observe without treatment. Cryotherapy was the most popular intervention. Further prospective study is required to elucidate optimal management strategies.