Characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic indicators of fall-related open globe injuries.

Purpose: To describe characteristics and outcomes of fall-related open globe (OG) injuries.

Methods: A total of 602 patients (603 eyes) presenting with OG injuries were included. Among them, 85 wounds (85 patients) were fall-related, which were compared with the nonfall-related OG injuries (control group).

Results: The mean patient age in the fall group was 65.8 years, which was higher than the control population (35.8 years; P < 0.001). Most of the fall-related injuries occurred in women (58.8%). The most common zone injured in both groups was Zone I (38.8% and 46% in the fall and control group, respectively). Compared with the control group, patients with fall-related OG injuries had a worse visual acuity on admission and at final visit (P < 0.001). The authors performed regression analysis to characterize factors associated with developing no light perception and need for enucleation. Injuries involving Zone III and presenting vision of no light perception were associated with a higher rate of no light perception. Similarly, patients presenting with no light perception were more likely to undergo enucleation, eventually.

Conclusion: Fall-related OG injuries can lead to severe ocular morbidity especially in the elderly patients. They carry a worse visual prognosis compared with other injuries, which emphasizes on the importance of protective measures in this population.