Epidemiology of Open-Globe Injuries in Hong Kong

The aim of this study was to review the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of open-globe injuries (OGIs) in Hong Kong over a 10-year period.

Retrospective case-review.

This study included patients with OGI who presented to Hong Kong Eye Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital from 1999 to 2008. Patient demographics, causes and mechanisms of injury, visual acuity (VA) at presentation, clinical features, and final VA were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression were performed to identify poor prognostic factors.

A total of 122 eyes of 121 patients were included. More than half (63%) were male, and the mean age was 54 years. Workplace injuries (36%) ranked first, followed by fall (32%) and assault (13%). The majority (66%) presented with VA less than 5/200. Common associations included hyphema, lens damage, uveal prolapse, and vitreous hemorrhage. Overall, about half (46%) sustained profound visual loss (final VA <5/200). Twelve eyes underwent evisceration or enucleation. Only 1 eye developed endophthalmitis. Univariate analysis suggested that profound visual loss was associated with poor initial VA, relative afferent pupillary defect, and posterior scleral involvement (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that poor initial VA and posterior involvement were independent poor prognostic factors.

Profound visual loss was common after OGIs, especially in cases with poor vision at presentation and involvement of the posterior sclera. Identifying poor prognostic factors helps guide clinical management and facilitates counseling for patients. Early medical and surgical treatment may help to reduce the risk of endophthalmitis.