Computerized tomography in the evaluation of penetrating ocular injuries

An evaluation was made of the cases of 80 consecutive patients (82 eyes) who underwent acute surgical intervention for penetrating eye injuries. Of these cases, 46 patients had computerized tomography (CT) of the orbit performed in addition to routine preoperative ophthalmic examination. Eyes with more severe injuries and eyes in which the posterior segment was not visualized on the preoperative ophthalmic examination were more likely to undergo CT evaluation. CT scanning frequently demonstrated posterior segment pathology not observable by ophthalmic examination. The following CT findings were associated with poor visual or anatomic outcome: (1) posterior segment hemorrhage; (2) vitreous space distortion; and (3) lens disruption. This study suggests that CT scanning may provide useful information as to the nature and extent of injury in cases of penetrating ocular trauma.