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Prompt medical attention leads to better visual outcome after ocular trauma
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Better visual acuity and a lower incidence of relapse were observed in patients who were treated less than 1 week after experiencing ocular trauma, according to a study.
A retrospective review evaluated visual outcomes and incidence of relapse in 94 patients with retinal breaks or retinal detachment resulting from ocular trauma. Fifty-one patients suffered a direct trauma to the globe, and 43 patients suffered an indirect trauma to the globe.
Best corrected visual acuity was recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients were seen immediately postoperatively, as well as at 1 month, 3 months and in a period between 6 and 12 months after surgery.
Previous ocular diseases were seen in 40 cases, which were identified as risk factors in the development of post-traumatic retinal breaks or detachments. No evident risk factors were identified in 54 patients.
Worse visual acuity was found in all patients treated more than 7 days after trauma (P < .01).
“We believe that results of this retrospective study suggest that a well-done preoperative examination, a detailed clinical history about the traumatic event, an early diagnosis and a prompt surgical repair are important prognostic factors for better visual outcome and lower incidence of retinal relapse,” the study authors said.
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