Fundus autofluorescence in blunt ocular trauma

To describe the findings of fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging in patients with blunt ocular trauma.

In this non-interventional retrospective study, we reviewed medical records and imaging examination results. The data analyzed included gender, age, laterality, trauma etiology, time between trauma and imaging, visual acuity, changes in the retinal periphery, fundus examination results, and FAF imaging findings. FAF imaging was performed using a Topcon TRC-50DX Retinal Camera (Tokyo, Japan).

Eight eyes from 8 patients were studied. The mean age was 27.6 years (range, 19-43 years). Men (n=7) were more frequently affected by blunt ocular trauma than women (n=1). Physical aggression was the most common trauma etiology (n=3), followed by accidents with fireworks (n=2). Other causes were car accidents (n=1), occupational trauma caused by a grinder (n=1), or being hit by a stone (n=1). Visual acuity ranged from 20/80 to light perception. Traumatic pigment epitheliopathy (TPE) was identified in 5 cases, choroidal rupture in 3 cases, subretinal hemorrhage in 3 cases, and Purtscher’s retinopathy in 1 case. Hypoautofluorescence was observed in cases of choroidal rupture, recent subretinal hemorrhage, and intraretinal hemorrhage, and in two cases of TPE. Hyperautofluorescence was observed in cases of old subretinal hemorrhage and at the edge of the lesion in two cases of choroidal rupture. Mild hyperautofluorescence was observed in the posterior pole in Purtscher’s retinopathy. Three cases of TPE exhibited hypoautofluorescence with diffuse hyperautofluorescent areas.

FAF imaging is a non-invasive method for assessing changes in the posterior segment of the eye resulting from blunt ocular trauma. Furthermore, this technique provides valuable information. We described the findings of FAF imaging in cases of TPE, choroidal rupture, subretinal hemorrhage, and Purtscher’s retinopathy.