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Increased intraocular pressure in severely burned patients
1Department of Ophthalmology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|January 15, 1991
Summary
Severe body burns can cause dangerously high intraocular pressure. Lateral canthotomies effectively reduced this pressure, preventing optic nerve damage in burn patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Severe body burns can lead to significant fluid shifts and orbital complications.
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a potential risk in burn patients due to orbital congestion.
Observation:
- Three patients with severe burns presented with extremely high intraocular pressure (37.2–81.7 mm Hg) attributed to orbital congestion.
- Lateral canthotomies were performed, resulting in a rapid decrease in IOP (17.6–49.0 mm Hg).
Findings:
- The procedure was effective in decompressing the orbit and lowering IOP in all affected eyes.
- No patients had pre-existing glaucoma or conditions predisposing to pupillary block.
- Two survivors showed no optic nerve damage or sustained high IOP post-discharge.
Implications:
- Tonometry is crucial for monitoring IOP in severe burn patients, particularly those receiving large fluid volumes.
- Lateral canthotomy is a potentially beneficial intervention for managing acute, high IOP secondary to orbital congestion in burn injuries.
- This intervention may help prevent vision loss in a vulnerable patient population.