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Contact lens use after corneal trauma
T T McMahon1, J Devulapally, K M Rosheim
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, UIC Eye Center (m/c 648), Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
Journal of the American Optometric Association
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Major eye trauma cases referred to the Contact Lens Service (CLS) predominantly affect young men. While good initial vision is achieved, long-term contact lens wear success is poor, indicating a need for alternative treatments.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Trauma Care
- Contact Lens Management
Background:
- Major anterior segment trauma cases present unique challenges in urban eye trauma centers.
- The Contact Lens Service (CLS) manages a specific subset of these complex cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology and visual outcomes of major anterior segment trauma cases managed by the CLS.
- To compare CLS cases with broader eye trauma populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 122 eye trauma patients referred to the CLS over two years.
- Comparison with 757 cases identified from a larger cohort of 2279 total eye trauma cases at the same institution.
Main Results:
- CLS cases were younger (mean age 17) and predominantly young men with unilateral injuries, often open globes.
- High rates of iris damage (82%) and aphakia (73%) were observed in CLS cases.
- While 75% achieved good visual acuity (20/100 or better) with contact lenses, only 44% continued lens wear long-term.
Conclusions:
- CLS referrals represent a distinct, younger demographic with severe ocular trauma.
- Despite good initial visual outcomes, long-term contact lens wear success is limited in this patient group.
- Alternative visual rehabilitation strategies should be explored for patients with severe anterior segment trauma.