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A standardized classification of ocular trauma
F Kuhn1, R Morris, C D Witherspoon
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
Background:
No internationally standardized classification of ocular trauma terminology has existed previously. Despite a growing interest in eye injuries, the absence of a common language continues to impede both clinical care and research.
Methods:
A classification has been developed initially based on the authors' extensive personal experience. It then has undergone repeated reviews over a 3-year period by international ophthalmic audiences, incorporating suggestions from respondents in 13 countries and selected ocular trauma experts.
Results:
By always using the entire globe as the tissue of reference, the new classification is unambiguous, consistent, and simple. It provides definitions for the commonly used eye trauma terms within the framework of a comprehensive system.
Conclusion:
The new classification has been endorse by the Board of Directors of the International Society of Ocular Trauma, the United States Eye Injury Registry, the Hungarian Eye Injury Registry, the Vitreous Society, the Retina Society, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It can be reasonable expected that the system eventually will become the standardized international language of ocular trauma. The authors urge ophthalmologists to begin using this terminology in both clinical practice and research.