Evaluation of open globe injuries of children in the last 12 years.

Abstract

To determine whether advances in vitreoretinal surgical techniques developed over the last decade have translated into improved anatomic and visual outcomes. Retrospective review of children under the age of 18 who were treated for open globe injuries at a children's hospital between January 1990 and December 2002. The authors identified 59 open globe injuries seen at a single center in the past 12 years. Thirty eyes (51%) required secondary surgery after primary closure. Twelve patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and all presented with an initial visual acuity of count fingers or worse. Seven (58%) had an improvement in vision to 20/200 or better, and 6 (50%) of these patients achieved a visual acuity of 20/50 or better. Improvements in outcome compared to previous studies may signify refinement in technique and an increased utility of PPV over the last 10 years.