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Low-Level Primary Blast Causes Acute Ocular Trauma in Rabbits
Kirstin Jones1, Jae-Hyek Choi2, William E Sponsel1,3,4
11 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio , San Antonio, Texas.
Journal of Neurotrauma
|September 23, 2015
Summary
Survivable primary blast waves can cause significant ocular trauma, including corneal and retinal changes, and affect intraocular pressure. These injuries have clinical and military relevance.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma research
- Blast injury biomechanics
Background:
- Blast injuries are a growing concern, particularly in military settings.
- Understanding the ocular effects of survivable primary blasts is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the induction of clinically significant ocular trauma by survivable isolated primary blast overpressures.
- To utilize a live animal model for simulating blast-induced eye injuries.
Main Methods:
- 18 Dutch Belted rabbits were exposed to controlled low-level blast overpressures in a shock tube.
- Ocular examinations were performed before and after blast exposure to assess changes.
- Corneal thickness, retinal thickness (RT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured.
Main Results:
- Clinically significant corneal thickening was observed immediately post-blast, persisting for 48 hours.
- Retinal thickness increased with increasing specific impulse.
- Intraocular pressure showed an inverse correlation with blast wave specific impulse.
Conclusions:
- Survivable primary blast waves induce ocular injuries with potential visual functional sequelae.
- Findings highlight the clinical and military relevance of blast-induced eye trauma.
- Corneal endothelial dysfunction may be implicated in blast-induced ocular changes.
