Open Globe Injuries Presenting With Normal or High Intraocular Pressure

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Trauma Surgery
• Ocular Trauma

Background:

• Open globe injuries are severe ocular emergencies.
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical factor in ocular health.
• The relationship between IOP and open globe injuries requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the frequency and clinical significance of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open globe injuries.
• To determine the association between IOP levels and injury characteristics.
• To evaluate the impact of IOP on visual outcomes in open globe injuries.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of open globe injury cases at a level 1 trauma center.
• Analysis of demographics, clinical findings, and computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) in affected and unaffected eyes, alongside visual acuity assessments.

Main Results:

• Of 132 eyes with open globe injury, IOP was recorded in 38 (28%).
• Twenty-three (59.4%) eyes had an IOP greater than 10 mm Hg; six (16.2%) had IOP > 21 mm Hg.
• Higher presenting IOP correlated with posterior open globe injury and predicted worse visual acuity (light perception or worse).

Conclusions:

• High intraocular pressure (IOP) does not rule out open globe injury and is a frequent finding.
• Elevated IOP in open globe injuries is associated with posterior segment involvement.
• Presenting IOP is a significant predictor of visual prognosis in patients with open globe injuries.