Ocular sequelae of BB injuries to the eye and surrounding adnexa

BB injuries continue to be one of the most common causes of severe ocular injury among adolescent males. Extraocular and nonperforating anterior globe injuries most commonly result in favorable visual outcomes. The appropriate medical management of both perforating and nonperforating anterior globe injuries resulting from BB trauma and their potential ocular sequelae are reviewed.

Three cases illustrating typical as well as atypical anterior globe injuries caused by BBs are presented. Two cases involve nonperforating anterior globe injuries--one with intracranial and one with intraorbital involvement. The third involves a retained intraocular foreign body. The biomicroscopic and ophthalmoscopic features of these injuries are discussed, as are potential complications and management strategies associated with these types of trauma.

Injuries associated with intraocular BBs often result in enucleation if functional vision is not salvageable. Sequelae to such injuries include endophthalmitis, traumatic hyphema, ocular siderosis, and sympathetic ophthalmia. Plain-film radiography and axial computed tomography are critical first steps in determination of the position of any intracranial or intraorbital metallic foreign body. Routine observation for the development of ocular sequelae resulting from retained intraocular, intracranial, and intraorbital BB injuries is recommended.