A 10-year review of open-globe trauma in elderly patients at an urban hospital.

BACKGROUND

To describe the demographics, characteristics, and outcomes of open-globe injuries (OGIs) in elderly patients.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review.

RESULTS

Ninety cases (26 men) were identified. The average age was 80 years (range, 65-96 years). The types of OGIs included rupture (83.3%) and penetrating (16.7%) injuries. The causes of trauma were falls (64.4%), accidents (20%), motor vehicle accidents (5.5%), and assault (3.33%). Types of lacerations included corneal (44.4%), corneoscleral (26.7%), and scleral (28.9%). Forty-six cases were OGIs because of dehiscence of previous ocular surgical wound. Ten eyes had concurrent orbital fractures. Approximately 81.1% of cases underwent primary OGI repair within 24 hours of injury, and all cases underwent primary OGI repair within 24 hours of admission. The average visual acuity at presentation was 20/4,375 (SD, 0.64). Although 22 patients presented with no light perception, only 10 remained no light perception after OGI repair. Complications at presentation included uveal prolapse (70%), hemorrhagic choroidal detachment (37.8%), vitreous hemorrhage (51.1%), retinal detachment (20%), and afferent pupillary defect (42.2%). Three patients (3.33%) underwent primary pars plana vitrectomy for retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage. Three patients developed endophthalmitis. Overall, retinal attachment was achieved in all eyes that underwent primary pars plana vitrectomy. Primary enucleations were performed in 4 cases (4.44%) for nonsalvageable no light perception eyes.

CONCLUSION

The visual prognosis of OGIs in the elderly population is poor; only 14.4% achieved 20/200 or better visual acuity. Precautionary measures should be taken to prevent OGIs in the elderly population.