[When the "lantern goes out"-maximum surgery pays off in the case of severe eye trauma]

Trauma surgeons are often confronted with severe complex eyeball injuries. The primary wound treatment and internal reconstruction are carried out depending on the surgical experience. The following case report describes a patient with severe eyeball rupture, from the preoperative findings up to the current status 1 year after the injury. After the initial severe trauma and complex primary reconstruction with subsequent pole to pole surgery in the irritation-free interval, a good functional and cosmetic result was achieved. Even after severe eyeball injuries the best possible primary reconstruction should be strived for. Secondary corrections are possible in irritation-free periods and can help the patient to achieve functional and cosmetic rehabilitation.