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Forceps-induced birth injury to the cornea
Ruba Alobaidy1, Sathish Srinivasan
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Ayr, Ayr, South Ayrshire, UK.
BMJ Case Reports
|April 11, 2014
Summary
Obstetric forceps delivery can cause a vertical split in the Descemet
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Forceps delivery is an obstetric procedure used to assist childbirth.
- Birth trauma can occur during forceps delivery, potentially affecting the neonate's eyes.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old man presented with a vertical split in the Descemet's membrane of the left cornea.
- The corneal finding was linked to a history of forceps delivery.
Findings:
- The characteristic vertical split in Descemet's membrane results from the biomechanics of forceps application during delivery.
- This injury typically affects one eye, often the left, due to fetal positioning.
- Immediate postpartum corneal edema resolves, leaving a visible membrane break.
Implications:
- Forceps-induced Descemet's membrane rupture can lead to significant astigmatism in the affected eye.
- This can result in secondary amblyopia, impacting long-term vision.
- Understanding this association is crucial for pediatric ophthalmologists and obstetricians.
