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[Cataract after lightning injury--case report].
Summary
This case study details a rare indirect lightning injury affecting a 41-year-old woman. Successful cataract surgery restored her vision, highlighting a unique ocular trauma outcome.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Trauma Medicine
Background:
- Indirect lightning strikes can cause severe, life-threatening trauma.
- Ocular complications following lightning injury are infrequently documented.
- This report focuses on a unique case of delayed visual impairment after an indirect lightning strike.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old woman experienced unconsciousness and amnesia from an indirect lightning injury.
- Initial symptoms included left eye irritation with subtle retinal pigment epithelium changes.
- Visual acuity remained stable for three months before progressive deterioration and cataract formation occurred.
Findings:
- The patient's best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) declined to 5/50 due to cataract progression.
- An uncomplicated phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was performed.
- Postoperative BCVA was restored to 5/5, indicating successful visual rehabilitation.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for delayed and progressive ocular complications from lightning injuries.
- Ophthalmologists should consider lightning strike as a potential etiology for unexplained visual decline and cataract.
- Early recognition and appropriate management, including cataract surgery, can significantly improve visual outcomes in such rare cases.
