Clinical outcomes of traumatic globe rupture in corneal graft patients

Int Ophthalmol. 2024 Feb 29;44(1):120. doi: 10.1007/s10792-024-03008-w.

Abstract

Purpose: This study reports the mechanisms, complications and graft survival following sight-threatening traumatic globe rupture in patients having previously undergone corneal transplantation in the same eye.

Methods: A retrospective, observational, single-center consecutive cohort study at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK over a 20-year period. Medical records and Newcastle Corneal Transplantation Service electronic database (eNCTS) review was undertaken of all consecutive patients who underwent corneal transplantation with a history of traumatic globe rupture. Main outcome measures include mechanism of injury, final best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), graft survival and complications.

Results: A total of 921 keratoplasties were undertaken between 1997 and 2017 with 24 (3.0%) patients identified with a history of traumatic globe rupture. A bimodal relationship of age and mechanism of trauma was observed. The mean age (SD) of individuals reporting cause as a fall was 71.5 (14.8) years, and 45.3 (20.8) years (P < 0.05) amongst individuals reporting accidental trauma or assault. The pre- and post-trauma mean (SD) LogMAR BCDVA was 0.6 (0.9) and 1.7 (1.0), respectively (P = 0.001). The overall graft-failure rate was 60.9% (11 grafts) during a mean (SD) follow-up period of 3.5 (4.1) years. Globe rupture with lens damage was associated with poorer final BCDVA (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: This study represents the first published series from England for this type of patient cohort. Overall visual outcomes were poor with a bimodal relationship of age and mechanism of trauma. Worse prognostic factors included lens and posterior segment complications. Re-grafting in these select group of patients may prove valuable.

Keywords: Clinical outcomes; Globe rupture; Keratoplasty; Trauma; Wound dehiscence.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cohort Studies
  • Corneal Transplantation*
  • Eye Injuries* / complications
  • Eye Injuries* / diagnosis
  • Eye Injuries* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rupture / complications
  • Visual Acuity