Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Iris Fixation via External Pentagram Suturing
Published on: May 5, 2022
Corneal perforation and delayed anterior chamber collapse from a devil's club thorn
Thomas H Mader1, Robert P Werner, David G Chamberlain
1Department of Ophthalmology, Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA. thmader@anmc.org
Purpose:
To report the corneal perforation and delayed collapse of the anterior chamber caused by the thorn from a devil's club plant.
Methods:
An 8-year-old Alaska Native girl was struck in the eye with the stalk and leaves of a devil's club plant. Although 3 thorns from the plant were found to be lodged superficially in the corneal stroma, 1 was deeply embedded to the level of Descemet's membrane. The thorn was surrounded by a stromal infiltrate. Four days after the injury, the patient suffered a sudden collapse of the anterior chamber after the deeply embedded thorn became dislodged.
Results:
The corneal wound was sutured, and the patient had an uneventful postoperative course.
Conclusions:
Our experience suggests that devil's club corneal injuries should be examined daily after the initial injury. The anterior chamber may suddenly collapse after a deeply embedded thorn becomes dislodged.
Related Concept Videos
Glaucoma: Overview
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

