Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
04:02
System for Focal, Closed-System Central Nervous System Injury
Published on: November 29, 2024
Ocular trauma under the shadow of terror
1Hadassah University Hospital, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel. Sheila@hadassah.org.il
Insight (American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses)
|December 15, 2005
Summary
Terror victims experience severe penetrating eye trauma (PET) with higher rates of blindness compared to other causes. Ophthalmic nurses play a crucial role in coordinating care for these patients across various hospital wards.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Surgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Penetrating eye trauma (PET) is a significant cause of visual impairment.
- Early intervention is critical for vision restoration in PET cases.
- Terrorism-related incidents contribute to a notable percentage of ocular injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and severity of penetrating eye trauma (PET) in terror attack victims in Jerusalem.
- To identify the specific in-hospital needs of these patients.
- To evaluate the role of ophthalmic nurses in managing non-ophthalmology ward patients and coordinating care.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 109 consecutive patients with PET from January 2000 to February 2003.
- Analysis of demographic characteristics, injury details, and visual acuity (VA).
- Inclusion of 40 (36.7%) cases attributed to terrorism, hospitalized across intensive care, surgical, and ophthalmology wards.
Main Results:
- Terrorism accounted for 36.7% of PET cases reviewed.
- Terror victims with PET had a higher incidence of severe injuries requiring surgery (95%), including enucleation and retinal detachment.
- A greater proportion of terror victims presented with poor initial visual acuity (82% ≥ 20/200) and remained blind at discharge (44%) compared to other trauma groups.
Conclusions:
- Terrorism-related penetrating eye trauma results in more severe ocular injuries and worse visual outcomes than other causes.
- Ophthalmic nurses are essential in providing specialized care and coordinating treatment for terror victims in diverse hospital settings.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration is vital for optimal in-hospital management and follow-up of these complex cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Traumatic Memory
Emotionally traumatic events often lead to memories that are exceptionally vivid and enduring, sometimes persisting with remarkable clarity throughout an individual's life. A classic example of this phenomenon is a person who survives a car accident. Even years later, they may recall every detail of the event with startling accuracy — the screeching of the tires, the jarring impact, and the acrid smell of burning rubber. Such vividness contrasts sharply with how an individual remembers mundane...
01:22Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category, whereas...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that damages the retina and optic nerve, leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. The human eye has various components, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and optic nerve. Aqueous humor is secreted by the epithelium of the ciliary body in the posterior chamber and flows through the trabecular meshwork and canal of Schlemm, maintaining normal intraocular pressure. The trabecular meshwork and the canal...
01:27Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that arises following exposure to traumatic events such as natural disasters, forced displacement, or severe accidents. It significantly impairs individuals' ability to cope with daily activities and disrupts their emotional and psychological equilibrium.
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events, are a...
01:17Accessory Structures of the Eye
Optical perception, or vision, is an extraordinary sense dependent on converting light signals received via the ocular organs. These organs, known as eyes, are securely positioned within the bony cavities of the skull, called orbits. The orbits serve a dual purpose: a protective shield for the ocular globes and a stable attachment point for the soft ocular tissues. The eye's external protective mechanisms include the eyelids, which are edged with lashes that act as a barrier against foreign...