The following is a summary of “Demographics, presenting features, and outcomes of adult patients with ocular trauma,” published in the June 2024 issue of Ophthalmology by Clevenger et al.
Ocular trauma often leads to permanent vision loss in adults. Combining accurate clinical examination with imaging provides crucial prognostic indicators and guides treatment decisions.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study analyzing how initial examination and imaging findings correlate with treatment and visual acuity (VA) outcomes in patients with ocular trauma.
They studied adult patients with ocular trauma at one hospital (2013 to 2020). Initial exams and imaging were used to assess any correlation between each other and the patient’s VA outcomes.
The results showed 136 ocular traumas in 134 patients; the median initial logMAR VA was 2.7 (IQR 1.2-3.7), with 62% involving open globe injuries. Initial CT scans commonly showed globe deformity (30%), B-scans revealed choroidal detachment (20%), and ultrasound biomicroscopy identified intraocular foreign bodies, ciliochoroidal effusions, or angle recession (21% each). Patients with retinal or choroidal detachment on initial B-scan had significantly worse VA at 6 months (median logMAR 2.7 vs. 0.5; P<0.0001) and final evaluations (median logMAR 3.7 vs. 0.4; P<0.0001) than those without the findings ([initial B-scan] median logMAR 1.4 vs. 0.5; P=0.002, [final evaluation] median logMAR 2.0 vs. 0.4; P<0.0001). Positive conjunctiva/sclera examination correlated with 66% positive findings on B-scan, vs. 41% without (P=0.005). Positive anterior chamber (AC) examination correlated with 59% positive B-scan findings vs. 37% without (P=0.03).
Investigators concluded that early exams and imaging were crucial for predicting how well patients with eye injuries would see in the long run. If B-scans or CTs show problems, doctors should consider that the eye may be seriously injured and act accordingly.
Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/2024/8871776