A Standardized Classification of Uveal Injury.

PURPOSE: Mechanical ocular injury involving the uvea poses significant surgical challenges and risks of irreversible visual impairment. Currently, there is no standardized classification to guide the management and prognosis of uveal injuries. This study aims to establish such a classification system.

METHODS

A methodological proposal for a novel classification was developed based on the most posterior location of uveal laceration/rupture and the extent of quadrant involvement. The classification was informed by clinical data with uveal injury. The system is designed to be determinable during clinical examination, emergency repair, or vitrectomy.

RESULTS

This study proposes a novel, standardized classification system for uveal injury based on the most posterior location of uveal laceration or rupture: Zone I (iris), Zone II (ciliary body), Zone III (choroid anterior to the equator), and Zone IV (choroid posterior to the equator), each subdivided (a-d) by extent of quadrant involvement. The system defines reproducible surgical approaches per zone.

CONCLUSION

This novel classification is presented as a proposal to standardize the assessment of uveal injury, addressing a critical gap in existing ocular trauma systems. It provides a structured framework to guide surgical decision-making and anatomical restoration and to facilitate future research in the management of severe ocular trauma.