Globe rupture with post cataract-surgery safety sunglasses

We report a case of globe rupture associated with the use of post cataract-surgery protective eyewear. The patient had routine cataract surgery 3 months before presentation and had adapted his post cataract-surgery glasses to use on the tennis court. He experienced a large posterior globe rupture after falling directly onto his face during a match. Spectacle torsion is the suspected biomechanical process that led to the rupture. We conclude that although the glasses given to many patients after cataract surgery are protective for most low-impact injuries, patients should be aware they are not designed for activities with a risk for significant impact. Patients should also be counseled to use protective eyewear specifically designed and approved for the sport or activity in which they participate.

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