Penetrating needle injury of the eye

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Penetrating needle eye injuries are a significant cause of vision loss, particularly in children.
• Understanding the epidemiology and outcomes of these injuries is essential for developing preventative strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the characteristics, complications, and epidemiology of penetrating needle eye injuries treated at a tertiary eye care center.
• To identify risk factors and outcomes associated with these injuries in a pediatric-predominant population.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series analysis of 27 patients with penetrating needle eye injuries over a 5-year period.
• Data collected included patient demographics, injury circumstances, clinical presentation, treatment, and visual outcomes.

Main Results:

• The mean patient age was 17.41 years, with 63% of injuries occurring in children under 12.
• Accidents accounted for 61.5% of injuries, with 55% occurring at home.
• Complications included endophthalmitis (22.2%) and traumatic cataract (51.9%). Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 25.9% of cases.
• Endophthalmitis showed no association with iris prolapse, zonal involvement, vitreous hemorrhage, or initial visual acuity but was linked to the absence of hyphaema.

Conclusions:

• Penetrating needle eye injuries represent a serious risk, especially to children, often occurring in domestic settings.
• The high incidence of endophthalmitis and traumatic cataract underscores the need for prompt medical attention.
• Public health initiatives and family education regarding needle safety are paramount to reduce the occurrence and severity of these injuries.