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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Anterior Segment Organ Culture Platform for Tracking Open Globe Injuries and Therapeutic Performance
Published on: August 25, 2021
Evaluation of open globe injuries of children in the last 12 years
Jesse R Hill1, Blake D Crawford, Hannah Lee
1Children's Retina Institute of California, Glendale, USA.
Insights
Advances in vitreoretinal surgical techniques have improved outcomes for pediatric open globe injuries. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) shows promise for vision restoration in severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Retina Surgery
Background:
- Open globe injuries in children are a significant cause of vision loss.
- Previous studies highlight the challenges in managing pediatric open globe injuries.
- Evaluating surgical technique evolution is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if recent vitreoretinal surgical advancements enhance anatomic and visual results for pediatric open globe injuries.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in pediatric open globe injury management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients (<18 years) treated for open globe injuries.
- Data collected from January 1990 to December 2002 at a children's hospital.
- Analysis of surgical interventions, including primary closure and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).
Main Results:
- Fifty-nine pediatric open globe injuries were identified over 12 years.
- 51% of eyes required secondary surgery after initial repair.
- Among 12 patients undergoing PPV for severe vision loss (count fingers or worse), 58% achieved 20/200 or better vision, and 50% reached 20/50 or better.
Conclusions:
- Improved outcomes suggest refinement in surgical techniques for pediatric open globe injuries.
- Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) demonstrates increasing utility and effectiveness in restoring vision.
- Further research into advanced surgical methods is warranted to optimize visual recovery in pediatric patients.
Purpose:
To determine whether advances in vitreoretinal surgical techniques developed over the last decade have translated into improved anatomic and visual outcomes.
Methods:
Retrospective review of children under the age of 18 who were treated for open globe injuries at a children's hospital between January 1990 and December 2002.
Results:
The authors identified 59 open globe injuries seen at a single center in the past 12 years. Thirty eyes (51%) required secondary surgery after primary closure. Twelve patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and all presented with an initial visual acuity of count fingers or worse. Seven (58%) had an improvement in vision to 20/200 or better, and 6 (50%) of these patients achieved a visual acuity of 20/50 or better.
Conclusion:
Improvements in outcome compared to previous studies may signify refinement in technique and an increased utility of PPV over the last 10 years.

