Psychiatric Sequelae in Adult Open Globe Injury Patients

The aim of this study was to investigate psychiatric sequelae in open globe injury patients and to identify the risk factors associated with these sequelae.

After a complete ophthalmologic examination, Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Zung Depression Scale (ZDS) scores were administered to all patients. Patients were divided into 5 groups according to final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA): group 1 (no perception of light, NPL), group 2 [perception of light (PL) or hand movements (HM)], group 3 (1/200 to 19/200), group 4 (20/200 to 20/50), and group 5 (20/40 or above).

A total of 113 patients with open globe injuries were included. The mean ZDS scores were 78.5±35.9 in group 1, 66.2±24.5 in group 2, and 27.6±2.1 in group 5. In group 1, 8 patients (66.7%) had moderate depression. In group 2, 20 patients (60.6%) had mild depression. All patients in group 4 and group 5 had ZDS scores in the normal range. There is a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of ZDS scores. In univariate analysis, depression (ZDS) and trauma (DTS) scores were associated with younger age ( P =0.016 and P =0.003, respectively) and lower final visual acuity level ( P <0.001, for both). In multivariate analysis adjusted for age and sex, a lower final visual acuity level ( P <0.001, for both) was also associated.

In conclusion, high anxiety and depression scores can be seen in open globe injury patients. Patients with young age and lower final visual acuity should be carefully screened, and the presence of a psychiatric pathology should be investigated. Amelioration of psychiatric pathologies may improve patient compliance with treatment and clinical success.