Excerpt from Laceration, Corneoscleral

Synonyms, Key Words, and Related Terms: corneoscleral laceration, ocular trauma, blunt trauma, penetrating trauma, corneal laceration, ruptured globe

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Background: A corneoscleral laceration may occur following blunt or penetrating ocular trauma. This ocular trauma may be sustained at work, during sports, following a motor vehicle accident, or in a brawl. The laceration may be the only injury. The uvea, the retina, or the vitreous may prolapse through the wound. Loss of corneal or scleral tissue may occur. A corneoscleral laceration is more likely to occur in an eye that has undergone a previous surgery, such as radial keratotomy or corneal transplantation.

Frequency:

In the US: The exact incidence of corneoscleral laceration in the United States is unknown, but the overall estimated rate of all eye injuries ranges from 8.2-13 per 1000 population. Eye injury rates are highest among individuals in their 20s, males, and whites.

Internationally: The incidence rate worldwide is unknown.

Mortality/Morbidity: Predicting the visual outcome in patients with corneoscleral lacerations is difficult. The outcome is generally poor in patients who have poor visual acuity at presentation, in patients with delayed presentation, and in patients who sustain agricultural-related injuries.

Sex: Corneoscleral lacerations are more common in young men than in young women.

Age: Corneoscleral lacerations are more common in younger persons. Wound dehiscences after ocular surgery, such as cataract surgery and corneal transplantation, are more common in older patients.