BILATERAL EYE INJURY WITH BILATERAL BLOWOUT FRACTURE CAUSED BY A HIGH-PRESSURE WATER JET IN 16-YEARS-OLD FIREMAN GIRL. CASE REPORT.

PURPOSE: The aim is to present a report of a case of bilateral eye injury with bilateral blowout fracture caused by a high-pressure water jet from a fire hose in a 16-year-old girl during a competition for young firefighters.

METHODS

We present a case report of a 16-year-old female patient with bilateral extensive eyelid contusion, oedema and lacerations of upper eyelids, lacerations of bulbar conjunctiva, contusion of both eyes, left optic nerve and bilateral blowout fractures of orbits.

Results

The initial ocular examination revealed "hand motion" in the right eye and no light perception in the left eye. Intraocular pressure was low in both eyes. Motility of both eyes was reduced, especially in the left eye. Lacerations of the eyelids and conjunctiva required a surgical procedure. No repair of the upper canaliculus of the left eye was attempted. Paralytic mydriasis and loss of lens accommodation in both eyes did not change throughout the follow-up period. A surgical procedure was applied to resolve the left blowout fracture, ocular motility of the right eye improved spontaneously. Traumatic cataract developed in the left eye within 1 year after injury, requiring cataract surgery and posterior capsule lens implantation, the right lens remained clear. Massive scarring of the retina and choroid in the lower parts of the eyes and in the macula reduced best corrected visual acuity in the right eye to 0.15 and in the left eye to 0.08. Intraocular pressure is within normal limits without any glaucoma therapy. The follow up period is three years.

CONCLUSION

This is the first reported case of child with an eye injury caused by a high-pressure water jet during a sports activity.