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Published on: August 25, 2021
Outcomes of delayed vitrectomy in open-globe injuries in young patients
Maria T Sandinha1, William Newman, David Wong
1Vitreoretinal Service, St. Paul's Eye Department, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK. teresa_sandinha@robinsonlloyd.com
Insights
A delayed vitrectomy approach for severe penetrating eye injuries in young patients is safe and effective. This strategy can lead to good visual outcomes, with most patients achieving significant vision improvement.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Surgery
- Trauma Care
Background:
- The optimal timing for vitrectomy in severe penetrating eye injuries, especially in pediatric and young adult populations, is debated.
- Delayed surgical intervention is a less explored approach for these cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of a delayed posterior vitrectomy approach in young patients (up to 29 years) with severe penetrating eye injuries.
- To assess the visual prognosis following delayed surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- A noncomparative interventional study involving six patients (seven eyes) who underwent posterior vitrectomy.
- Vitrectomy was performed due to hemophthalmos, with a mean delay of 49 days after posterior vitreous detachment confirmation via ultrasound.
Main Results:
- A mean follow-up of 22 months was recorded.
- 85.7% of patients achieved a visual acuity of 6/12 or better, with 57.1% reaching 6/6.
- One patient developed retinal detachment; two required secondary lens implants.
Conclusions:
- A delayed surgical approach for penetrating eye injuries in young patients is a viable option.
- This strategy is compatible with favorable visual prognoses in this demographic.
Purpose:
The timing of vitrectomy for severe penetrating eye injury to the posterior segment remains controversial; this is particularly pertinent if patients are children and young adults. We present our results of the surgical procedure in young patients after penetrating eye injury using a delayed approach.
Methods:
Noncomparative interventional study of patients up to 29 years of age who had vitreoretinal surgery for penetrating eye injury. Surgical procedure was performed in seven eyes of six patients. Posterior vitrectomy was performed because of hemophthalmos after waiting for a mean of 49 days (range, 17-90 days) after posterior vitreous detachment was confirmed on ultrasound examination.
Results:
The mean postoperative follow-up period was 22 months (range, 9-35 months). Of the 7 patients, 6 (85.7%) achieved visual acuity (Snellen acuity) of 6/12 or better and 4 eyes (57.1%) reached 6/6. At the last follow-up, all patients were pseudophakic, 2 required secondary lens implants, and retinal detachment developed in 1 patient.
Conclusion:
This consecutive case series underlines the fact that a delayed approach is compatible with good visual prognosis in relatively young patients.
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